UA Little Rock Couple Establishes Enduring Opportunity
Former professor Deborah Baldwin and her husband James Metzger have created an endowed scholarship through a charitable gift annuity to support the
A retired professor and her husband have established a new endowed scholarship at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock through a planned gift. The Dr. Deborah J. Baldwin Enduring Opportunity Endowed Scholarship will support the university's Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program, helping to reduce financial barriers for students.
Deborah Baldwin and James Metzger, who arrived in Little Rock in the summer of 1980, built their careers and lives at the university. Their decision to give back was solidified nearly two decades ago after attending a campus awards ceremony. Hearing students describe their challenges reminded Metzger of his own college experience, where scholarships made a significant difference despite lower tuition costs.
The Motivation for Giving
Both Baldwin and Metzger were scholarship recipients themselves. "Tuition wasn't what it is today, but we still worked every summer to help pay for college, and receiving scholarships made a difference in our education," Metzger said. They believe financial support can transform a student's experience beyond the classroom.
Baldwin emphasized that excessive work can limit key opportunities. "If students have to work full time just to make ends meet, they often don't have the opportunity to study abroad, participate in research, complete internships, or take part in experiences that can shape the rest of their lives," she explained. Metzger added that easing the work burden allows students to focus on completing their degrees and engaging fully with college life.
A New Philanthropic Avenue
The couple's gift represents a novel approach to supporting the university. They are the first donors to establish an Enduring Opportunity scholarship using a charitable gift annuity. This financial instrument allows them to make their largest philanthropic commitment while securing additional income during their retirement.
Metzger, who recently closed his economic consulting business, highlighted the arrangement's benefits. "The charitable gift annuity lets us do something meaningful now while still providing income during our lifetime." he said. Baldwin, who held several leadership roles including interim provost, saw this new giving avenue as another way to move the university forward.
A Legacy in a Name
The scholarship bears Deborah Baldwin's name, a decision Metzger felt was fitting. "Deborah spent more than 40 years here and served in so many different roles," he noted. "It seemed appropriate to put it in her name. She's the one who deserves the recognition." Baldwin was touched but was quick to share the credit, stating the gift is from both of them and is intended to support students broadly.
The couple was inspired to support the Enduring Opportunity Scholarship Program specifically after attending its public announcement in May 2025. Chancellor Christina S. Drale's vision for the funds resonated with them immediately. "We actually stopped her that day and told her we wanted to be on board," Baldwin recalled.
A Hopeful Ripple Effect
Baldwin and Metzger hope their commitment will encourage others in the community to support the university. Baldwin reflected on the institution's importance, stating a city the size of Little Rock needs a university to thrive. She acknowledged in the university but may not have taken the step to support it financially. "We hope our gift encourages others to take that next step," she said.
The university's development office can be contacted for more information on supporting the program through planned giving opportunities like charitable gift annuities.
