FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Teresa Stafford, a former Fayetteville resident, returns to northwest Arkansas as the director of development for the School of Law at the University of Arkansas. In addition to her fundraising responsibilities, Stafford will oversee the communications and alumni relations operation for the school.

“Private gift support is essential to the success of the School of Law,” said Dean Cynthia Nance. “We are committed to providing an exceptional legal education to our students and the generosity of alumni, business leaders and friends of the university help make this possible. The important work of the development director provides the school with a solid outlook. I am thrilled to welcome Teresa to our team, and the law school community looks forward to working closely with her as we plan for the future.”

“Teresa brings a wealth of knowledge to the University of Arkansas,” said Mark Power, executive director of university development. “She has extensive experience managing law school fundraising, communications, research and special events. Our School of Law is already a top program, and Teresa’s background will only encourage this level of success to continue. She is a great addition to the School of Law and to the University of Arkansas.”

Stafford comes to the University of Arkansas from the Loyola University School of Law in Chicago. There, she served as the assistant dean for advancement and alumni relations and she led a $30 million campaign for the school. Prior to that role, Stafford held two consecutive positions at Northwestern University in Chicago: senior associate director in the Feinberg School of Medicine and senior associate director for planned and major gifts. In addition to her work in higher education, Stafford has served as a development director for two Illinois-based nonprofit organizations, Marklund Charities and Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus.

"I am delighted to be joining Dean Nance and the University of Arkansas School of Law at such an exciting time,” said Stafford. “The School of Law is a vibrant and thriving legal institution, and I look forward to building a long and rewarding partnership with the law school and its loyal and committed alumni."

Stafford is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University.