FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Melody Kouchehbagh has joined the staff of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences as development and external relations coordinator.

“We welcome Melody as a member of our team and look forward to working with her to make great things happen for Bumpers College,” said Terry Bumgardner, the college’s director of development and external relations. “Her enthusiasm, wit and energy greatly complement her skills as a development and external relations professional. We are lucky to have her.”

As a member of the college’s development and external relations team, Kouchehbagh is responsible for coordination and management of key Bumpers College development and external relations events.

“I’m excited to be part of Bumpers College and such a dynamic team,” said Kouchehbagh. “I’m committed to providing assistance to ensure Bumpers College continues to be a hallmark college for our students, community and Arkansas.”

Additionally, Kouchehbagh will help conduct major donor research and oversee maintenance of development-related records; identify and cultivate members and representatives for boards, societies and other key constituent groups; and manage stewardship of all assigned prospects and donors.

Kouchehbagh has worked for several non-profit organizations as a development director and as an executive director. Most recently, she served as the development director for 7hills Homeless Center in Fayetteville.

Kouchehbagh’s experience includes increasing grant, event and development revenue. Additionally, she established community awareness and support in multiple positions.

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About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.