FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Rachel Neeley of Winslow, Ark., has been named director of annual programs in the office of university development at the University of Arkansas. After a national search spanning many months, Neeley was promoted from her previous position as the department’s associate director.

As director, she is responsible for raising private gift support for campuswide initiatives through the Annual Fund program, which includes direct mail, the National Phone Campaign and e-communications. She also oversees the university’s Chancellor’s Society, the faculty and staff giving program and student philanthropy efforts. 

 “I am very happy to be working with Rachel in her new role,” said Bruce Pontious, associate vice chancellor of development. “She has done an outstanding job managing the day-to-day operations of the office while we searched for a new director, and over that time, she has proven time and time again that she can not only handle the responsibility of the director’s role, but that she can take the department to the next level. I am very proud that we were able to promote one of our own into this critical position on our campus.”

Neeley holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Arkansas. She has three children, Addison, Hannah and Ethan.

“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead the office of annual programs, and I am looking forward to strengthening and growing what is already a robust department,” said Neeley. “I hope to help enhance the spirit of giving on campus and throughout the university’s alumni community.”