Bizzell family honors generational commitment to UA Little Rock with $25,000 scholarship
January 5-11, 2026
By Justin Bates
Dr. Jamie and J.R. Bizzell have established the Mary and Sean Glancy Enduring Opportunity Endowed Scholarship with a $25,000 gift to UA Little Rock, paying tribute to a legacy of service while helping future students overcome financial barriers to higher education.
The scholarship, created in honor of Mary and Sean Glancy, recognizes their decades of leadership and advocacy. Sean Glancy is a UA Little Rock alumnus, and he and Mary have long supported the university through their time, charitable giving and commitment to student success. Inspired by that example, the Bizzells said they saw an opportunity to continue the legacy.
“We chose to support Enduring Opportunity because we believe deeply in the importance of affordability and access to higher education,” the Bizzells said. “This gift is also made in honor of Mary and Sean Glancy. Their longstanding commitment to the university and their shared goal of making students’ lives a little easier inspired us to join them in that mission.”
The newly endowed scholarship supports the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program, which helps remove financial barriers and expand educational access for students.
“Our hope is that this gift, especially when paired with the strength of the broader program, will continue to grow and create more scholarship opportunities each year,” they said. “We want it to remove financial barriers, provide confidence and stability for students, and help the university attract and retain talented individuals who might not otherwise have the chance to pursue a degree.”
The gift also underscores UA Little Rock’s role in the local and statewide economy. UA Little Rock serves a unique student population, many of whom live, work and raise families in central Arkansas.
“Higher education is one of the most important drivers of economic mobility, workforce development and long-term community health,” the Bizzells said. “Because most graduates stay in the region, the impact is immediate — producing skilled professionals who contribute to our workforce, our businesses and the overall vitality of Arkansas.”
The scholarship also represents a personal connection for the Bizzells, who said honoring family and carrying forward shared values was central to their decision to give.
“Our family plays a central role in this gift,” they said. “Honoring Mary and Sean Glancy was important to us because of the example they’ve set through decades of involvement and support for UA Little Rock. Their commitment reflects the values we want to uphold and pass forward — service, generosity and investing in future generations. This gift is a way for our family to show appreciation for their leadership and to continue the work they’ve championed for so long.”
As UA Little Rock continues working to keep college affordable for the next generation, the Bizzells said they hope their gift will encourage others to reflect on the university’s impact on lives and communities.
“Investing in UA Little Rock isn’t just supporting a university — it’s strengthening the workforce, the community and the future of Arkansas,” they said. “When people see the direct and lasting impact their dollars can have on local students and families, we believe they’ll understand what a meaningful and rewarding commitment this is.”
To make a lasting commitment to student opportunity, contact Stephanie Purifoy at 501-773-6955 or email spurifoy@ualr.edu.
Photo Caption:
The Bizzell family
Photo Credit:
(Photo provided)
