FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Emily Williams has returned to the University of Arkansas to become the director of development for the College of Education and Health Professions. She will report to Jamie Banks, senior director of development and external relations, and will play an instrumental role in securing private gift support for the college.

“Emily will be an outstanding addition to a team that already does a fantastic job creating new opportunities through private gift support,” said Tom Smith, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions. “I am confident that our students, faculty, staff and alumni will all appreciate her enthusiasm and experience and will enjoy working with her to promote the fundraising priorities of the college.”

Williams most recently served as the director of development for the College of Engineering at the university before joining the Walton Arts Center as its director of corporate relations. In her previous role in engineering, Williams worked with alumni to secure private gift support, helped manage the scholarship and stewardship programs of the College of Engineering, and planned and executed the college’s Alumni Awards banquets.

At the Walton Arts Center, Williams was responsible for securing support for the newly constructed Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion and Walton Arts Center from the robust corporate sector in Northwest Arkansas.

“Emily showed exceptional growth in leadership during her time at the university,” said Katy Nelson-Ginder, assistant vice chancellor for development. “She is a talented development professional whose love for the university shines through in the work that she does with our alumni and donors. She is a valuable member of our fundraising team, and we are very happy to welcome her back to her alma mater.”

Williams, originally from Fort Smith, holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Arkansas and a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  Williams joined the university in 2007, when she was hired as assistant director of development in the College of Engineering. Prior to her work at the university, she worked in the governmental affairs department of the USA Rice Federation and as a member of the legislative staff for Congressman Mike Ross in Washington, D.C.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to return to the Division of Advancement and to be a part of the College of Education and Health Professions,” Williams said. “I’m looking forward to connecting the interests of our alumni with the programs and people of the college in a meaningful way.”