Alumna Named Director of Annual Giving for University Development

David Speer

Elizabeth Johnson of Fayetteville has been named the new director of annual giving for the university.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas alumna Elizabeth Johnson will become the director of annual giving for University Development effective July 1. Johnson holds two degrees from the university and has worked in the Sam M. Walton College of Business Office of External Relations since 2012.

“I am honored to take on this new role as director of the Office of Annual Giving,” said Johnson. “Annual donors and their support are critical to advancing the eight guiding priorities for the University of Arkansas. I am excited to work with annual donors, the exceptional annual giving team and others across campus to continue to grow annual gifts to the university throughout Campaign Arkansas.”

Most recently, Johnson was the associate director of development for the Walton College, where she managed the annual giving responsibilities for the college, served as a liaison to the Office of Annual Giving and worked with volunteers and major gift prospects. She joined the Walton College in 2012 as the development manager and managed over 80 volunteers on the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board and the Alumni Advisory Council.

Prior to her experience in Walton, Johnson worked as an admissions counselor for the university and provided dedicated recruitment and advising for the College of Education and Health Professions.

“We’re very excited about Lizzie joining the Office of Annual Giving and know her energy and experience in the Walton College will serve her well in this new role,” said Kellie Knight, executive director for university initiatives. “Anyone who has worked with Lizzie knows she is professional, capable and creative. She will bring a unique perspective to this role and will undoubtedly be an asset to our annual giving program.”

Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and Latin American studies from the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and a Master of Education in higher education administration from the College of Education and Health Professions. She has been a social media ambassador for the university’s annual giving day, All in for Arkansas, and serves as the University of Arkansas representative on the Airport Board for the city of Fayetteville.

About Campaign Arkansas: Campaign Arkansas is the ongoing capital campaign for the University of Arkansas to raise private gift support for the university’s academic mission and other key priorities. The campaign’s goal is to raise $1 billion to support academic and need-based scholarships, technology enhancements, new and renovated facilities, undergraduate, graduate and faculty research, study abroad opportunities and other innovative programs. The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in a wide spectrum of disciplines as it works to fulfill its public land-grant mission to serve Arkansas and beyond as a partner, resource and catalyst.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.