FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – With a proven track record of fundraising for the University of Arkansas, Benjamin Carter has been named senior director of corporate and foundation relations within the office of university development. He assumed his duties July 1.

Carter moved into this role after serving as the director of development for University Libraries at the University of Arkansas for the last seven years. He worked closely with individuals, corporations and foundations during that time, and has been successful in raising much-needed private support for the libraries, which support the entire university community.

“In the past seven years, Ben has been a tremendous asset to the libraries in bringing new resources to support our goals,” said Carolyn Allen, dean of University Libraries. “While I will miss his humor and his dedicated service personally, I know that we have an ally in another area of development. I'm sure he will continue to work closely with the libraries to continue the work he started and that the university will benefit from his new role.”

As the senior director of corporate and foundation relations, Carter works closely with administrators, faculty and development officers in every unit across campus to engage corporations and foundations in university initiatives. Through these collaborations, he aims to strengthen existing relationships and create new partnerships in an effort to raise private gift support for the institution.  

 “The university is such a great economic catalyst for the state,” said Carter. “It’s only natural that we work with organizations that also believe in progress for our state and around the world. I am excited to stay within the advancement division and the university community as I move into this next chapter.”

Carter reports to Bruce Pontious, associate vice chancellor for university development.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ben to this new role,” said Pontious. “He has done an outstanding job for our institution so far, and his background in business development gives him the necessary skills set to effectively represent the university in this way. The corporate and foundation support the university receives each year has an immeasurable impact on our campus. I know Ben will do a wonderful job moving all those relationships forward for the betterment of Arkansas.”

Before joining the University of Arkansas staff in 2004, Carter worked as the director of business development for Utility Automation Integrators Inc. in Washington, D.C. Other past positions include assistant to the administrator of rural business service at the United States Department of Agriculture and legislative correspondent for Sen. David Pryor.

Carter is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. His community involvement includes leadership positions and membership in Rotary International, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club and Fayetteville Youth Baseball.

Carter lives in Fayetteville with his wife, Jana, and their three children.