Erck Appointed Development Director for University of Arkansas Athletics

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John Erck

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – John Erck of Nashville, Tenn., has been named the new director of development for the athletics program at the University of Arkansas. In this position, Erck will be responsible for securing private gift support for all 19 sports programs at the university, and he will report jointly to the athletics department and the office of university development.

“We are excited about the addition of John Erck to our development staff,” said Jeff Long, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “The expertise and experience he brings to the position from his major gift fundraising positions at Vanderbilt and North Carolina will benefit the athletics department at a very important time. He will be a key player in our expanding development efforts to support all 19 sports. John has several close ties to the University of Arkansas and should be able to make an impact immediately. We are glad to have John and his family as part of the Razorback team.”

Erck will join the University of Arkansas on Jan. 4, 2010, after serving the past three and a half years as the director of major gifts and associate director of the National Commodore Club at Vanderbilt University. In this role, he raised funding for athletic scholarships and special projects with a concentration on major gifts. He was part of a team that increased annual giving by $400,000 in his first year with the Commodore Club. In addition, Erck initiated a $100,000 scholarship level and developed a new letterwinners club. In his time with the Commodore Club, Erck helped cultivate more than $10 million in major and planned gifts.

“I am pleased to welcome John to our fundraising team at the University of Arkansas,” said Mark Power, executive director of development and principal gifts. “His experience in raising private gift support for athletics programs at Vanderbilt and for the University of North Carolina makes him an ideal candidate to fill this role. It is critical to have fundraising professionals who understand the individuality of philanthropy, and I know John will do an exceptional job relating to our alumni and friends who make much of what we do possible.”

Before moving to Nashville, Erck spent three years as the assistant director of membership with the Rams Club at the University of North Carolina. In his tenure, he was part of a fundraising team that raised $7.6 million, $8.4 million and $8.7 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

“I am grateful for the tremendous opportunity to join the University of Arkansas and be part of the Razorback program,” Erck said. “There are few times in intercollegiate athletics that an opportunity fits so well both personally and professionally. I feel very fortunate to have found that opportunity at the University of Arkansas. Being married to a University of Arkansas graduate and a former cheerleader, I have had the chance to witness the great passion and affection people have for this university and the Razorbacks first hand. There are so many great things happening at the University of Arkansas. I look forward to reaching out to others to communicate how they can play a role in helping students achieve their academic and athletic goals at the University of Arkansas.”

Erck is married to Erica (Henry) Erck (B.A. 1996). The couple has a son, Jack, age 5, and two daughters, Ava, 4, and Liv, six months.