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.