Fulbright College Names Director of Development, External Relations

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Ashlie Hilbun

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Ashlie Hilbun has been named director of development and external relations for the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas. In this position, she will manage the major gift portfolios for Fulbright College, the University of Arkansas Bands Program and KUAF and lead a nine-member team of professionals focusing on fundraising, communications, donor relations, scholarships, employer relations and outreach.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Ashlie into this role,” said Chris Wyrick, vice chancellor for university advancement. “She has a proven track record as a fundraising professional. It is always encouraging to be able to promote someone from within, and Ashlie has consistently demonstrated her expertise by moving through the ranks from assistant director to associate director to director in less than three years.”

Fulbright College has secured commitments totaling nearly $24 million since Hilbun joined the fundraising team in 2011. In her previous role, she helped manage major gift fundraising responsibilities for the college’s 19 departments with an emphasis on visual and performing arts. She helped advance the Fulbright College Advisory Council, the Razorback Band Alumni Society and external advisory councils for the departments of geosciences and art. She also established an online ticketing system for the department of drama and initiated Fulbright Fridays, which features regular public presentations by faculty members at Butterfield Trail Village.

“Ashlie is an outstanding leader," said Todd Shields, interim dean of Fulbright College. "She has guided the college's office of development and external relations through the past few months as its interim director, and I know the office will continue to thrive under her management. She managed to complete her doctorate, transition to a new role, cover open positions and successfully keep Fulbright College on track to meet our development goals."

Hilbun became a member of the university’s development team in 2009 as part of the office of annual programs before transitioning to Fulbright College to focus on major gifts.

“I take immense pride in leading the office that tells the Fulbright College story and garners support for the work of our outstanding faculty and students,” said Hilbun. “I am indebted to the Fulbright College faculty and administration and to the Advancement Division for their continued support of my contributions. We have a tremendous team, and together we look forward to achieving ambitious institutional goals with the steadfast support of our alumni and friends.”

Hilbun holds a bachelor of arts from Centenary College of Louisiana, a master of social work ­­­from Tulane University and a doctorate of education from the University of Arkansas.