Mary Purvis Joins University Development Team

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Mary Purvis, assistant director of corporate and foundation relations

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Mary Purvis of Fayetteville is the new assistant director of corporate and foundation relations at the University of Arkansas. She joins the university development team within the Division of University Advancement.

Purvis comes to the university from the Ozark affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure where she served as the director of development, responsible for raising funds for the annual race.

“We are thrilled to have Mary on our team,” said Ben Carter, senior director of corporate and foundation relations. “This is an exciting time to join the university, and we could not have found a more suitable candidate for this position. Mary’s experience in the corporate world, combined with her recent experience as a local fundraiser, makes her an ideal fit for this job. I look forward to working together as we grow our relationships in and around Arkansas for the benefit of the university and its students.”

Purvis’ past roles include account manager and operations manager positions for Transplace, carrier development manager for J.B. Hunt Logistics and public affairs representative for GTE Southwest, now Verizon Communications. Her responsibilities have ranged from public relations and community engagement to business management and strategic planning.

“I am truly honored to be joining the university development team,” said Purvis. “To be able to work on behalf of my alma mater for the advancement and enrichment of the state of Arkansas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Purvis holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in journalism and political science from the University of Arkansas. She has held various community positions including president of the family council in the health care unit of Butterfield Trail Village; various positions affiliated with the Ozark Race for the Cure, now the Susan G. Komen for the Cure; advisory board member of Faith in Action with Washington Regional Medical Center and an advisory board member of H.O.P.E., Helping Oncology Patients Excel. Purvisis a past recipient of the Clay Edwards Scholarship awarded through the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and she has also been recognized with the Komen Ozark Affiliate Ozark Make a Difference award.

Purvis, originally from Little Rock, is married to Hoyt Purvis, journalism professor and associate director of the international relations program in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

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