Spending for Standards

Just how much does University of Arkansas Chancellor John White want to spend to raise the school’s academic reputation? At least $1.8 million, we figure.

That’s the total value of the scholarships White gave to the 57 high school seniors who attended a National Merit semifinalists visitation weekend on the UA campus in November.

Every student who attended was guaranteed a Chancellor’s Scholarship by White himself. The scholarship is the second-highest academic award that a student can receive from the UA and includes spending money in addition to free tuition, room, board and books. That’s a total of $32,000 during four years for each student, not counting a $16,000 revenue loss for out-of-state students. Crunch those numbers and you’ll find that White gave away over $1.8 million that Saturday morning.

In addition to the standard place to stay, free meals and student guides, the semifinalists also received free basketball and football tickets, attended a deluxe “chancellor’s brunch,” and were given free accommodations for family members at the Fayetteville Hilton, Guesthouse Inn or Best Western.

Don’t forget the Borealis backpacks the students were given as souvenirs (at a cost of $1,995, confirms Julie Kegley in the Office of University Relations).

Around 200 National Merit Semifinalists from Arkansas and surrounding states were extended invitations — via Federal Express — to visit the Fayetteville campus.