Three Generations of Birch Family Establish Scholarship to Support Students at UA Little Rock
The Birch family has established the Birch Family Endowed Scholarship at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, creating new opportunities for students balancing work and college while pursuing their degrees.
The $25,000 gift will provide scholarship support for undergraduate students and is designed to help offset education-related expenses, including tuition, books, and fees.
Robert Birch says the decision to give back was simple. UA Little Rock changed his family’s story across three generations.
“UA Little Rock is near and dear to our family,” said Robert Birch. “Multiple generations of our family have graduated from UA Little Rock, and it truly set us on a path toward meaningful, successful lives. The university provided not only an affordable, accessible education, but also an environment where hard work and determination were rewarded. UA Little Rock opened doors for our family that changed the trajectory of our futures.”
Birch grew up in North Little Rock listening to his parents talk about their time at UA Little Rock and the role it played in shaping their future. His father, Bob Birch, a proud alumnus, later spearheaded the family’s effort to establish the scholarship and instilled in his children the importance of giving back.
Robert’s own path to UA Little Rock came at a pivotal moment. After playing college baseball, a shoulder injury ended his athletic career and forced him to rethink his next step. He needed a fresh start that would allow him to focus on academics while continuing to work full time.
At UA Little Rock, he worked 40 hours per week while taking 15 to 18 credit hours each semester.
“Because of the flexibility, support, and quality instruction at UA Little Rock, I flourished academically,” Birch said. “That experience changed my trajectory.”
Years later, his daughter Madison followed a similar path. After earning an associate degree, she transferred to UA Little Rock, received a transfer scholarship, and graduated with honors. She later returned to earn her master’s degree in criminal justice, all while working, just as her father and grandfather had done.
The Birch Family Endowed Scholarship reflects that lived experience. It will support full- or part-time undergraduate students who are employed while pursuing their degree, helping reduce financial barriers for students working to improve their circumstances.
“If this scholarship gives even one student an opportunity they otherwise would not have had, then I consider it a win,” said Birch. “A college education can be a true generational lift, changing not only the life of the student, but the future of their entire family.”
Beyond their own family story, the Birch family sees the gift as an investment in Central Arkansas.
“Supporting UA Little Rock helps strengthen the workforce pipeline for Central Arkansas and the state as a whole,” Birch said. “The more well-educated, capable graduates we retain here, the stronger our regional economy becomes. Employers across Central Arkansas are actively seeking skilled professionals to fill critical roles. By investing in education at UA Little Rock, we are investing in the long-term stability, competitiveness, and growth of our community.”
The scholarship is a collective family commitment from the entire Birch family including Bob Birch and his wife Trish, Robert and his wife Dee, Brent Birch and his wife Mollie, Madison Birch, and their extended family.
“Investing in education, and in UA Little Rock specifically, means investing in the future of Central Arkansas,” said Robert Birch. “Education remains one of the most powerful tools for mobility and progress. Supporting UA Little Rock is not simply philanthropy; it is a strategic investment in the future of our region and beyond.”