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FAYETTEVILLE — A $100,000 planned gift from University of Arkansas alumnus Oliver Sims and his wife, April, will establish the Oliver and April Sims Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment, the university said in a news release.
“Their contribution will impact students’ access to education by addressing critical funding gaps often limiting those opportunities,” the release said.
The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a three-year initiative to further educational access for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas. The campaign also seeks to strengthen connections between the university and businesses across the state, fulfilling the institution’s land-grant mission to serve Arkansas, it said.
“What makes this scholarship so special is its targeted mission,” Oliver Sims said in the release. “It is designed for Arkansans, ensuring that we are investing in the future of our own communities. I personally relate to the students this scholarship supports, because I was once in their shoes.”
“Oliver and April Sims understand the power of education to transform lives and strengthen communities,” Chancellor Charles Robinson said in the release. “We are deeply grateful for their commitment to expanding educational access and their investment in the future of our students and state.”
Oliver Sims earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the U of A in 1985. “With a career in technology spanning over four decades, he has held diverse roles across the industry. He spent a decade at Allstate Insurance Company before transitioning into entrepreneurship, launching his own consulting firm. Over the past 30 years, Sims has specialized in selling enterprise technology solutions to major organizations while founding three companies, the release said.
In 2017, Sims launched Henry Health, a digital platform providing mental health and self-care services for underserved communities. Under his leadership, the company secured $9 million in investment and expanded to eight states. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the platform’s mission, as relaxed telehealth regulations allowed greater access to care, it said.
Today, Sims serves as the Americas Global Technical Sales Leader for CA Technologies, a division of Broadcom, and is managing partner of Oliver Sims Advisors and Investors.
“Sims credits the U of A for playing a pivotal role in his career success and providing opportunities for his family, including his son, Oliver Sims IV, a two-time U of A graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Professional Accounting,” the release said.
April Sims developed an appreciation for the university through visits to campus and witnessing her son’s achievements. She was also drawn to the U of A’s “welcoming community, rich traditions, and the lasting impact it has had on her family.”
“This gift from the Sims family will help Arkansas students realize their dream of earning a college education, while building a brighter business and economic future for our state,” Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement, said in the release. “Oliver and April are great friends of the university, and their generosity means even more of our students will have the resources to succeed at the U of A.”
Oliver Sims’ commitment to service and leadership is reflected in his involvement with university organizations and the alumni community. Sims remains an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and was honored with the Arkansas Alumni Association Morris Fair Heart Award in 2018 for his volunteer spirit and alumni engagement. He is a life member and a board national member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, a former board member of the Black Alumni Society, and has served on the Sam M. Walton College of Business Dean’s Alumni Advisory Council.
“We appreciate Oliver’s service on the National Alumni Board of Directors,” Varady said. “His leadership and enthusiasm for the association’s mission strengthens our efforts to increase connections and support among proud U of A alumni.”
Furthering their support of student success, the couple established the Oliver L. Sims III and April Sims Endowed Scholarship with a $25,000 endowment in 2023, and they are counted as Thoroughreds for their consecutive giving to the U of A.
Beyond financial support, Oliver Sims encourages students to engage in campus organizations to foster a sense of belonging.
“My advice to students at the University of Arkansas is to get involved because there are countless opportunities for engagement, no matter your interests,” he said. “For example, being part of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity helped me find a sense of community and build lifelong friendships. Don’t isolate yourself or struggle alone.”
“A commitment to community also drives Sims’ advocacy for the Land of Opportunity Scholarship, which he sees as a catalyst for meaningful change in Arkansas. His work with the Community Empowerment Council (CEC) in his hometown of Pine Bluff has reinforced the importance of investing in local talent to address social challenges and stimulate economic growth. The CEC partners with local school districts and health care providers to create opportunities for students, and Sims believes the scholarship can play a crucial role in keeping Arkansas students rooted in their home state,” the release said.
“Beyond just financial assistance, this scholarship is about strengthening Arkansas,” he said. “Many students come from out of state and are more likely to leave after graduation, but by supporting Arkansas students, we increase the chances of them staying and making a difference in their communities.”
A sense of gratitude fuels the Sims family’s ongoing support for the university through their planned gift.
“This cause resonated with us because we understand the struggles many students face,” Oliver Sims said. “When we saw that the Land of Opportunity Scholarship was designed specifically to help those who are just a little short of making it financially, we knew it was the perfect next step for us. It aligns with our values and our desire to give back in a meaningful way.”
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