FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Ashlie Hilbun is the new assistant director of development in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Following a two-year stint in the office of annual programs, Hilbun remains a part of the university’s fundraising team, moving from the annual giving level to a college-specific, major gift focus.

Hilbun reports to Dina Wood, director of development in Fulbright College.

“I am excited to welcome Ashlie to Fulbright College,” said Wood. “We collaborated on several efforts during her time in the office of annual programs, and she was an obvious choice to fill this critical position on our team. Ashlie brings to the table an appreciation for development work, and her energy and optimism will be a true asset as she forms new relationships with alumni and friends of our college. I know Ashlie will thrive in this environment, and I look forward to working with her.”

During her time in the office of annual programs, Hilbun led an overhaul of the office’s web presence, and she managed the social media and online communication efforts to raise private gift support for the university through the Annual Fund. Hilbun also produced stewardship and solicitation videos featuring student impact of private giving. She served as an Annual Fund liaison, working closely with several academic units around campus to focus their fundraising efforts. Additionally, Hilbun revamped the university’s Class Gift program and restructured the Class Gift Council to approach student philanthropy in a new way.

“My work in the office of annual programs provided me with a great foundational understanding of the importance of strengthening our relationships with current and prospective benefactors at every level,” said Hilbun. “I’ve enjoyed connecting Annual Fund donors with their passions at the university — many of them for the first time — and I look forward to strengthening relationships in a more focused, personal way.”

Prior to joining the University of Arkansas development team, Hilbun was the volunteer coordinator for the Southeast Louisiana Disaster Recovery in New Orleans, where she scheduled nearly 40,000 volunteers who worked on Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. She also worked for Project New Orleans Area Hope to create, and raise funds for, a summer youth work camp for high school and college-aged students to participate in community service projects after Hurricane Katrina.

“Becoming a part of an established, major gift fundraising team was an opportunity not to be missed,” said Hilbun. “I am passionate about the course offerings, programs and study abroad opportunities provided to students through the college, and I believe in the work of the unit’s faculty members. I am excited to work on their behalf to create even more possibilities for Fulbright College.”

Hilbun holds a bachelor’s degree from Centenary College of Louisiana and a master’s degree from Tulane University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Arkansas. Hilbun and her husband, Chris, live in Fayetteville.