Rachel Krest Appointed Director of Development for University Libraries

University Relations

Rachel Krest

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas alumna Rachel Krest, a long-time development professional in University Advancement, has been named director of development for University Libraries, effective Monday, April 3.

Krest's primary responsibilities are to secure private sector funding, to foster relationships and to plan and implement the Libraries' fundraising priorities, as well as plan activities related to institutional advancement.

"Rachel is a fabulous addition to the Libraries' team," said University Libraries Dean Carolyn Henderson Allen. "In our previous projects working with Rachel, we've been impressed with her generosity of spirit and her ability to work extremely well with faculty. We're so excited to have someone with her experience and knowledge champion library development."

Krest has been a member of the University Development team for more than 11 years, serving in the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations and — most recently — as the senior director of development for the Office of Annual Giving. Under her leadership, the Office of Annual Giving established several giving clubs and hosted the university's inaugural giving day, All in for Arkansas, in 2016. In 2017, the event raised over $400,000 for initiatives across campus in an 1,871-minute period, reflecting the university's founding in 1871.

"The past nearly 10 years in the Office of Annual Giving have been simply wonderful," said Krest. "I've been fortunate to work alongside some amazing individuals, and together we've raised well over $10 million from donors whose average gift is about $130. Progressing to major gifts and transitioning to University Libraries is an incredible opportunity. I'm excited to work with the close-knit team of the Libraries to continue building what's already an outstanding advancement program for such an essential area of campus." 

"During her time in university development, Rachel took the Office of Annual Giving to the next level," said Mark Power, vice chancellor for university advancement. "I know she will bring creativity and new ideas to her work with the University Libraries, and I'm excited to see her excel in this new opportunity."

Krest holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. She has a background in statewide non-profit work, volunteers for the U of A Wesley Campus Ministry and is also a part-time pastor for the United Methodist Church in Alpena.

About University Libraries: Located at the heart of campus, David W. Mullins Library is the university's main research library. Branch libraries include the Robert A. and Vivian Young Law Library, the Fine Arts Library, the Physics Library, and the Chemistry and Biochemistry Library. The Libraries provide access to more than 2.3 million volumes and 83,500 journals, and also offer individual and group research help, study spaces, computer labs with printing and scanning, interlibrary loan and RazorRush services, and cultural exhibits and events. The Libraries' Special Collections unit acquires, preserves, and provides access to materials on Arkansas and the region, its customs and people, and its cultural, physical, and political climate. Visit the Libraries' webpage to learn more about services and collections.

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.