University of Arkansas alumni Bill and Sylvia Goodyear gave $25,000 to establish the E. William Goodyear Jr. and Sylvia Hawley Goodyear Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment. The gift reflects their deep gratitude for the university’s impact on their lives and underscores a commitment to expanding opportunities through education.  

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a three-year initiative to increase educational access for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas, encourage collaboration between the university and businesses throughout the state and fulfill the institution’s land-grant mission to serve Arkansas. In addition to financial aid, scholarship recipients can participate in mentoring, academic counseling and career development programs. 

"So much of what we've been able to accomplish in life started with our experiences at the University of Arkansas,” said Bill Goodyear. “Supporting the Land of Opportunity Scholarship lets us give that same foundation to students who might not otherwise have the chance, and to do it without burdening them with debt. It felt like the right way to give back to a place that has given us so much.” 

"Bill and Sylvia Goodyear know firsthand how transformational a University of Arkansas education can be," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "Their generosity ensures more students will have access to those same opportunities, creating lasting benefits for families and communities throughout Arkansas. We are thankful for their support and the impact it will have on so many lives."

Sylvia Goodyear graduated from the U of A in 1971 with a degree in English. The communication and leadership skills she developed through her sorority involvement and public speaking classes influenced her career path. She first worked for a regional retailer before joining the national sales and marketing agency Acosta, working part-time while raising her children. Later transitioning to full-time, Sylvia advanced within the company over 34 years and built a successful career in the food brokerage industry. 

Bill Goodyear’s career was shaped by service and an entrepreneurial spirit. After serving in the Marine Corps and completing a degree in industrial management at the U of A, he entered the rubber products industry, where he gained the experience and knowledge necessary to launch his own business.  

He founded the William Goodyear Company in Monroe, N.C., in 1986 and overcame the frequent startup challenges of limited capital and uncertain cash flow. Bill credits both his university education and military service for providing the discipline and practical knowledge he needed to manage a growing team and complex operations.  

As president of the company, Bill continues to oversee its direction while preparing for succession. “I didn’t have a large stock of money starting out, but my degree from the University of Arkansas prepared me for the challenges of managing people, marketing and accounting,” he said.  

The couple’s generosity is grounded in both gratitude and a belief that a college education, especially when paired with mentorship and support, can change the trajectory of a student’s life.  

“We’ve always believed in doing something meaningful when the time is right, and this scholarship was exactly that,” Sylvia said. “It’s not just about tuition. It is about mentoring, guidance and opening a door that might have stayed closed. We know firsthand how transformative college can be, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to help someone else start that journey.”

“The Goodyears’ generosity captures what the Land of Opportunity Scholarship is all about—opening doors and creating opportunities for students across Arkansas," said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. "Their gift is an investment in the success of every student and the future workforce of our state. We are grateful for their support." 

The Goodyears are life members of the Arkansas Alumni Association. They hope their gift encourages fellow alumni and business leaders to consider the lasting impact of supporting the Land of Opportunity Scholarship.  

“Giving back to something as important in our lives as the University of Arkansas is very important to us, and I think others would feel that same satisfaction if they are able to do that,” Bill said. “We've been blessed, and a lot of it is anchored in Fayetteville, Arkansas. We will not forget that.”   

About the Land of Opportunity Scholarship: The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a three-year initiative to further educational access opportunities for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas, improve graduation rates, create two-way engagement between the university and businesses throughout the state, and fulfill the institution’s land-grant mission to uplift Arkansas. As of Sept. 30, 2025, the campaign has raised 68% of its goal in 31% of the time through more than $135,489,585 in pledges and commitments.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy  through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.