Treat Joins Honors College as Director of Development

Photo by University Relations.

John Treat.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – John Treat, a doctoral candidate in history at the University of Arkansas, was named director of development for the Honors College, effective Sept. 15. He reports to Lynda Coon, dean of the Honors College.

In his new position, Treat provides strategic oversight of the fundraising efforts for the Honors College and their Campaign Arkansas volunteer committee. He will also work with constituents to identify and steward a portfolio of donors to advance priorities of the Honors College and support initiatives of the university.

“John Treat comes to us with thirteen years of development experience, most especially working as a core member of the team that raised $200 million for the American Friends Service Committee,” said Coon. “As a doctoral candidate in history, John also brings scholarly depth to our capital campaign effort, which is focused on raising funds in support of Path Program and Honors College scholarships, service learning at home and abroad and innovative, interdisciplinary lectures and seminars.”

Treat gained an extensive background in advancement from his work with the American Friends Service Committee and held several leadership roles, including director of external affairs, director of strategic marketing and associate director for major gifts and research. Most recently, Treat worked as an instructor of history at the University of Arkansas. Prior to that, he contributed to the Arkansas Historical Quarterly as an assistant editor while serving as a senior graduate assistant.

“I know how important the Honors College is, not only in changing individual students’ lives, but also in the economic and cultural impact it has on the state as a whole,” said Treat. “As a sixth generation Arkansan, I am very excited to be at the U of A and on the Honors and Advancement teams.”

Treat earned a bachelor’s degree from Lyon College, where he was a student in the Honors International Studies Program. He holds a master’s degree from Harvard University in religion and public policy and is currently a doctoral candidate in history. At the U of A, he also served on the Graduate Dean’s Student Advisory Board and the University Course and Programs Committee. Treat has received numerous accolades recognizing his academic achievements and is a recipient of the Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship and the Willard B. Gatewood History Graduate Fellowship. He is also a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society.