FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Terry Bumgardner and Mary Purvis are taking on new roles in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and the Fay Jones School of Architecture, respectively. On July 1, both became the development directors for their units.

Chris Wyrick, vice chancellor for university advancement, said, “We are fortunate to have an exceptional talent base in university advancement, and I consider it a privilege to be in a position to promote from within. Terry’s experience and familiarity with the University of Arkansas made her a natural fit for the Bumpers College position.

“And when it became clear Terry would be leaving her post in the Fay Jones School, Mary became the obvious choice to fill the role,” he said. “I congratulate each of these staff members on their new positions and look forward to seeing them succeed.”

Bumgardner has worked at the U of A since 2003, most recently serving as director of development in the Fay Jones School since August 2010.

“I was drawn to the Bumpers College because of its focus on helping families and communities,” said Bumgardner. “We are about ‘advancing food, family and the environment.’ I asked myself, ‘What else is there?’

“I can think of nothing more rewarding than working with the diverse yet inter-related departments and programs of the Bumpers College to help achieve our private fundraising goals and prepare students for their professional careers,” she said.

Two of Bumgardner’s highlights at the Fay Jones School came in September 2013. After several years of capital fundraising, she celebrated with alumni and friends the dedication of the Steven L. Anderson Design Center and rededication of the newly renovated Vol Walker Hall.

Her previous experience includes working as director of individual giving at KUAF, the local National Public Radio affiliate, and as director of communications and marketing at the Arkansas Alumni Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Sam Houston State in Huntsville, Texas.

Purvis, who joined the university in 2012, was promoted to director of development for the Fay Jones School after serving as the assistant director of corporate and foundation relations.

“I am absolutely delighted to have been given the chance to work on behalf of the Fay Jones School,” said Purvis. “I can think of no greater opportunity on campus than to represent a nationally ranked program housed in such a beautifully historic building like Vol Walker Hall and our equally remarkable contemporary Steven L. Anderson Design Center addition. The chance to work with such distinguished faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends and donors is truly an honor in itself.”

During her time in corporate and foundation relations, Purvis played an integral part in building relationships between the university and companies that wished to become more involved with its students and programs.

Prior to this position, she worked as the director of development for the Ozark affiliate of the Susan G. Komen organization (formerly known as Susan G. Komen for the Cure), 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. In those roles, her responsibilities ranged from public relations and community engagement to business management and strategic planning.

Originally from Little Rock, Purvis holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in journalism and political science from the University of Arkansas.