FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – John Gourlay has joined the Office of Planned Giving within University Development as their new associate director of development.

Gourlay previously served as an assistant director of development for the Razorback Foundation and the associate director for the foundation’s Razorback Seat Value Plan. In his new role in planned giving, he will report to Jim Harris, executive director of gift and estate planning.

“We are excited to add John to our team and appreciate the development experience he brings with him from athletics,” said Harris. “Planned giving is all about building relationships with donors, and that is a strength of John’s. He’s smart, energetic and well-spoken and will be an asset to our team. I look forward to working with John to grow our planned giving program by encouraging more alumni and friends to consider the university as a part of their estate plan.”

Gourlay holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Lehigh University and a master’s degree in sports management from the University of Arkansas. In his free time, he serves as a volunteer development committee member of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA and as a volunteer basketball coach at the Boys and Girls Club in Fayetteville.

  “It is an honor and a privilege to work for my alma mater, and I am excited to have the opportunity to give back to a university that has given so much to me,” said Gourlay. “This position gives me an excellent opportunity to make a positive impact at the U of A. I’m looking forward to being a part of an excellent team that has accomplished so much.”

The Office of Planned Giving works with donors to refine their philanthropic, estate and financial plans. Their expertise includes assistance with tax-wise current and deferred giving, including estate planning, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts, memorial and honorary gifts, endowed gifts and donor advised funds, with the ultimate goal of advancing the university’s mission and goals in alignment with donor interests.