Olsen Promoted to Director of Development Position

Photo by University Relations

Julie Olsen

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Julie Olsen has been promoted to director of development for University Initiatives and will assume fundraising responsibilities for the Graduate School and International Education as well as the Office of Research and Economic Development.

In her new role, Olsen will work with volunteers from each unit to raise private gift support for these key university priority areas. She will report to Kim Needy, dean of the Graduate School and International Education, and Jim Rankin, vice provost of the Office of Research and Economic Development.

“I am excited Julie is joining our team,” said Needy. “She brings a wealth of experience from across campus and will play a critical role in helping our unit and Research and Economic Development continue to grow and thrive.”

“We are very pleased to have Julie Olsen join our organization as the director of development,” said Rankin. “She brings extensive knowledge to this role that will greatly benefit our office, as well as the Graduate School and International Education, during Campaign Arkansas.”

Olsen most recently served as associate director of development for the College of Engineering. She joined the U of A in 2013 as associate director of development in the College of Education and Health Professions. In both roles, she was responsible for the strategic planning, identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a portfolio of major-giving donors and served as the staff liaison for each college’s Dean’s Advisory Council. In her position with the College of Engineering, Julie served as the staff liaison for the Campaign Arkansas committee.

“I am humbled and honored to join the University Initiatives team and to lead our fundraising efforts for the Graduate School and International Education and the Office of Research and Economic Development,” said Olsen. “The university’s faculty, students and alumni have made tremendous contributions to the economic development of our state through research discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship.  I look forward to meeting with our alumni, corporate and foundation partners and other stakeholders to share the many opportunities available for them to invest in across our campus.  With their support, we will ensure that these future researchers, educators, innovators and entrepreneurs excel in their careers and advance the University of Arkansas’ economic impact on our state, the region and beyond.”

Olsen, originally from Nebraska, earned two bachelor’s degrees from Hastings College in Nebraska and a master’s degree from the University of Texas Butler School of Music. In her previous work experience, she served as the director of development for the EOA Children’s House in Springdale and as the annual giving director with the Walton Arts Center. She has extensive experience working with volunteers and in communications and marketing. Olsen regularly volunteers in the Northwest Arkansas community and has held leadership positions with the P.E.O. Chapter BI in Springdale, the First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, the Springdale Rotary and the Alzheimer’s Association of NWA.