Members of the UALR Board of Visitors voted Sept. 18 to endorse a constitutional amendment authorizing a state lottery to raise money for Arkansas college scholarships.

“Our state ranks 50th among the states in the number of citizens over the age of 25 who hold a college degree,” said Dr. Dean Kumpuris, chair of the UALR Board of Visitors. “Arkansas must increase the number of college and university graduates in order to be competitive in the global economy and provide high wage jobs.  One way to improve that number is to provide more financial opportunities for Arkansas citizens to enroll in and graduate from college.”

The proposed ballot initiative would establish a state-run lottery, the proceeds of which would fund a scholarship program for students attending Arkansas colleges and universities.

In other business, the board presented a plaque to thank board member Betta Carney for her service to the University since 1991. She is rotating off the board after two terms.

Resolution from Board of Visitors