September 2026
The Malvern School District is proud to share a remarkable story of legacy, love, and investment in the future of our students.
Julia A. Bailey Dulan and her husband Michael Dulan Sr. have committed $50,000 to the University of Arkansas Land of Opportunity Scholarship in honor of Julia's parents, Edward E. Bailey Sr. and Henrietta Fanning Bailey — two dedicated educators who spent their careers serving the students of Malvern, Arkansas.
In a letter to Malvern School District Assistant Superintendent Lillian Harper, Julia wrote: "I am honored to support and highlight their continued legacy."
A Legacy Rooted in Malvern
Edward Bailey Sr. served as principal of Annie Agnes Wilson High School for 18 years. Following the integration of Malvern schools in 1968, he continued his service as assistant principal of Malvern High School until his passing in 1976. A World War II veteran and community leader, Mr. Bailey held a Bachelor of Arts from Philander Smith College and a Master of Arts in secondary school administration from Columbia University.
Henrietta Fanning Bailey served as a teacher, counselor, and part-time football coach at Malvern Colored High School and Annie Agnes Wilson High School before becoming a guidance counselor at Malvern High School, where she served until her retirement in May 1981 — completing 40 years as an educator. Mrs. Bailey held degrees from Philander Smith College and Teachers College, Columbia University, and was deeply involved in Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church as minister of music and choir director until her passing in 1982.
A Gift That Keeps Giving
The Land of Opportunity Scholarship helps bridge the gap between a student's grants and scholarships and the direct costs of attending college, reducing financial barriers that can limit academic opportunity. In addition to financial assistance, scholars receive mentorship, academic coaching, financial planning, and access to career-building opportunities including undergraduate research, study abroad programs, and internships with Arkansas companies.
In honor of the Baileys' lifetime of service to Malvern students, this endowment will give preference to students graduating from Malvern High School or any successor institution serving students from the same geographic area, including Malvern, Perla, Carthage, Rockport, and Midway. Preference will also be given to students enrolled full-time in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas.
A Full-Circle Moment
Julia A. Bailey Dulan was raised in Malvern and is herself a graduate of the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions. She is a retired environmental attorney, and Michael Dulan is a retired banking executive. The couple resides in Allen, Texas.
"Like my parents, who devoted their lives to education, I believe a great education is the key to achieving prosperity and reaching one's career and personal goals," said Julia Dulan. "Michael and I are proud to support the Land of Opportunity Scholarship in their honor and help ensure that future generations of Arkansas students have access to the same transformative opportunities that I received at the University of Arkansas."
Malvern School District is deeply grateful to Julia and Michael Dulan for this extraordinary act of generosity and for ensuring that the Bailey family's commitment to the students of Malvern will be felt for generations to come.
To read the full University of Arkansas announcement, visit Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.