Graham Stewart Chosen to Lead Arkansas Alumni Association

Photo Submitted

Graham G. Stewart.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Graham G. Stewart, an experienced leader in university advancement and alumni relations, has been named associate vice chancellor for alumni and executive director of the Arkansas Alumni Association at the University of Arkansas. Stewart, who currently serves as assistant vice president for alumni relations and executive director of the alumni association at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, has more than 25 years of experience in alumni relations, marketing and public relations.

In his new role with the Arkansas Alumni Association, Stewart will focus on engaging alumni to strengthen ties to the University of Arkansas. Stewart will oversee all alumni programs including strategic planning and program development as well as alumni events, outreach, reunions, and volunteer recruitment and training.

“Of all the great candidates, Graham stood out as having the best combination of leadership and management skills and experience,” said Brad Choate, vice chancellor for university advancement. “He has a deep understanding of alumni and advancement work and possesses a positive, can-do attitude that fits extremely well with our alumni association's staff, volunteer and member culture. We look forward to his arrival on campus.”

Stewart will begin his new role on May 14.

“I’m very excited about leading the Arkansas Alumni Association and working with the alumni board and the incredibly capable advancement staff to increase alumni engagement,” Stewart said. “There’s obviously great affinity for the University of Arkansas and I look forward to building on that enthusiasm to the benefit of alumni, the association and the University. The University of Arkansas and the alumni association are well regarded nationally, and there are exciting plans ahead that present unparalleled opportunity to engage alumni and friends in the life of the University.”

Stewart has previously led alumni associations at Ithaca College, the University at Buffalo, and Ohio University, and was the marketing and public relations director for Cornell University’s performing arts center. He holds a bachelor of fine arts degree and a master’s degree in Communication from Ithaca College.

“Graham has an impressive background working with alumni groups, and you can tell he’s very passionate about alumni work,” said Steve Nipper, president of the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors. “I’m looking forward to working with him to build on the foundation of Mike Macechko.”

Myron D. “Mike” Macechko, executive director of the Arkansas Alumni Association and associate vice chancellor for advancement, is retiring in June after 24 years of service to the University of Arkansas. Under his leadership, the association’s membership numbers have more than doubled, making it one of the top 10 universities in the nation for alumni who claim membership, as well as for membership retention.

“We had an outstanding pool of applicants for this position, which is not surprising considering the Arkansas Alumni Association’s national reputation within higher education circles,” Choate said. “Mike Macechko has built a wonderfully successful program, and people in our profession know it.”

Also a professional musician, Stewart was a member of the Grammy-award-winning vocal ensemble, The Gregg Smith Singers, has performed multiple operatic and musical theatre roles, and is an active jazz trombonist and vocalist.