UA ALUMNUS APPOINTED TO DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT POSITION

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - John H. Tolleson, of Fayetteville, has been appointed as a regional director of development at the University of Arkansas, effective March 26, 2001.

Tolleson comes to the University’s development organization after more than 30 years of experience with Baldwin Piano & Organ Co., in Mason, Ohio, where he held various positions with Baldwin including the vice president of sales. Most recently, he was self-employed as a major event sales specialist working with Baldwin to enhance sales and profits. He was a member of the John Tolleson Band - a popular rock band in the Fayetteville-area that made regional and Canadian appearances during the late 1950s to mid-1960s.

Tolleson holds two degrees from the U of A: a bachelor’s of science in music education (1959) and a bachelor’s of science in business administration (1961).

The regional director of development will report to Clay Edwards, assistant vice chancellor for development. This position will have primary responsibility for planning, organizing and implementing major gift programs in North Arkansas and the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, area. He will be responsible for developing relationships that lead to new sources of support and will also provide support for two important regional efforts.

"We are thrilled to have someone who has such a history with this institution and this community join our development family," Edwards said. "John’s executive experience and familiarity with the alumni and friends of the University in these regions region will be an asset to us as we further our development initiatives in this area. As we plan for the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century it’s critical that we do more to engage and inform those can help the University. "

Tolleson said, "I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the University of Arkansas and its supporters. It’s my goal to strengthen existing relationships with our constituent base in North Arkansas and in the Dallas/Fort Worth areas while cultivating new relationships with the people of those regions."

Tolleson and his wife, Gail, have four grown daughters.