Simmons family, employees give $1 million to UA scholarship

The University of Arkansas announced Tuesday (Nov. 25) that the Simmons family and employees of Siloam Springs-based Simmons Foods will give $1 million to the UA’s Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign.

The combined gift has established the Simmons Family Foundation and The People of Simmons Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment.

Simmons Foods and its affiliates are suppliers of poultry, pet, and animal nutrition products. Founded in 1949, the third-generation, family-owned company employs nearly 10,000 people and is the largest employer in western Benton County.

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a three-year initiative to increase educational access for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas. The campaign aims to provide support for students and to strengthen partnerships between the university and businesses across Arkansas.

“Education has always been close to the heart of our family,” said Sarah Simmons, co-vice chair of the board. “My grandfather and founder of Simmons Foods, M.H. “Bill” Simmons, served on the school board in Siloam Springs, and both my grandmother and my mother were schoolteachers. Their belief in the power of education continues to guide our giving today, and this scholarship is one way we’re honoring that legacy.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Simmons Family Foundation and the People of Simmons for their extraordinary support of the Land of Opportunity Scholarship,” said UA Chancellor Charles Robinson. “This gift will provide talented, ambitious students across Arkansas with the support they need to earn their degrees, realize their dreams, and help build a brighter future for our state.”

With the contribution, the Simmons Family Foundation and the People of Simmons join the Leaders of Arkansas Founders’ Circle, comprising those who have committed at least $1 million to the scholarship campaign.

“We believe in this scholarship’s potential to make a meaningful difference for so many ambitious, talented Arkansans who need extra support,” said Chairman Mark Simmons. “Our business was built on the value of putting people first, and that extends to how we support our community and future leaders. When students are given the best chance to succeed, they not only transform their own futures but also our communities and businesses.”

As of Oct. 31, the scholarship campaign has raised 68% of its goal in 33% of the time through more than $136.16 million in pledges and commitments.