New Positions, Changes in UA Development

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In January, the University of Arkansas suffered the loss of Clay Edwards, associate vice chancellor in the Office of University Development. This untimely event necessitated an organizational restructuring.

“It is our hope that the following changes will allow the University of Arkansas to effectively serve our benefactors, our constituents, our volunteers and the entire UA community,” said G. David Gearhart, vice chancellor for University Advancement. “We are mourning a tremendous loss, but we must continue to work toward the goals of this great university. We are pleased for the individuals who are filling the new roles, and I am confident that the leadership we have in place will carry our organization through this hardship and into a very successful future. The University of Arkansas is a better place because of Clay Edwards and his legacy will live on through the ongoing work of our outstanding university development staff.”

• Sandy Edwards, who previously co-managed the Office of University Development with her late husband, will assume the leadership role of associate vice chancellor and will oversee all university development functions. The Edwards came to the University of Arkansas from Pennsylvania State University in 1998.
• Mark Power, previously serving as the director of development for the Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences is now the executive director of development, a newly created position, reporting directly to Sandy Edwards. Power will supervise the university’s directors of development and the annual giving program. His experience in fund raising includes his six years in the Bumper College preceded by three years with the American Cancer Society Mid-South Division. Throughout the past year, Power completed an administrative internship under Clay Edwards’ leadership.
• In addition, Brenda Brugger was promoted to director of research and prospect management, from her previous post as director of research. She is primarily responsible for the creation and implementation of a comprehensive donor prospect plan, and she will work closely with Power in his new role. Brugger brings more than 19 years of research experience to this position.
• Bonnie McCawley was promoted from assistant director for research to associate director for research. She will provide daily supervision for research and imaging projects. McCawley will report directly to Brugger.
• Lastly, Jamie Fields was promoted to director of information services. She has performed exceptionally in the role of manager of information services, and she will continue to work on implementing a new data system for the university. Fields has been with the university since 1986.