University Forms Board of Advisors

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas has developed a Board of Advisors - an organization that will help guide the institution’s advancement and fund-raising efforts - to be chaired by Julian C. Stewart (B.S.C.E., 1957) of San Antonio, Texas, and Fayetteville.

A long-time donor and friend of the university, Stewart served on the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee and the Executive Committee. He also served as co-chair of the Leadership and Principal Gifts Committee during the Campaign. He was also a member of the National Development Council. He was recently honored as the recipient of the Bill Franklin Volunteer of the Year Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, District III.

The new Board of Advisors Executive Committee is as follows: Boyce Billingsley of Bella Vista (B.S.B.A., 1955), Marilyn Bogle of Bentonville, Lewis Epley of Fayetteville (B.S.P.A., 1961, LL.D., 1961), Jim Faulkner of Little Rock (B.S.J., 1954), Johnelle Hunt of Fayetteville and Rogers, Buddy Sutton of Little Rock (B.S.B.A., 1953, LL.D., 1959), Debbie Walker of Fayetteville and Stewart. Serving as the successor organization to the National Development Council and the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee that headed the effort that raised more than $1 billion, the new board will play a leadership role in the UA’s advancement and fund-raising efforts; develop ways and means of expanding public awareness of the needs, programs, growth and development of the university; aid Chancellor White in defining the institutional goals of the university; offer advice on external relations issues; advocate for the university with the state Legislature; and help increase the UA presence across the state of Arkansas and in other states and countries where highly successful alumni are concentrated. The Executive Committee of the Board will be tapping new members in the coming months and membership should total around 60 people when completed. Membership will be composed of past volunteers as well as alumni and friends who have actively supported the university and its many programs.

Chancellor White, who will be an ex-officio member, said, “The Board of Advisors will serve as an important sounding board for significant issues affecting the university and its future. It will advise the chancellor’s office and the administration, deans of colleges and schools and others on many fronts from fund raising to external relations to institutional priorities.”

The vice chancellor for university advancement at the University of Arkansas, Dave Gearhart, who will serve as secretary/treasurer, said, “We are forever grateful for the tireless service of the NDC and Campaign Steering Committee. I credit much of the Campaign’s success to the hard work and loyal volunteerism of its members. We look forward to great things from the new Board of Advisors and we are excited about the future of our advancement programs at the U of A.”

The Board of Advisors was authorized by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees at its January meeting. It is a partnership organization of the University of Arkansas Foundation Inc.