Cherie Rachel Named Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Photo by University Relations

Cherie Rachel

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Cherie Rachel is the new senior director of the University of Arkansas Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations. The office works with Economic Development and University Advancement to better connect university strengths with resources from corporate and philanthropic partners.

Cherie Rachel joined the U of A on Sept. 7 as senior director after a decade of fostering relationships with corporate partners at the University of Texas at Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering. In her role at UT Austin, she worked extensively with faculty to identify core strengths and pair those strengths with corporate and community needs. Cherie Rachel also developed and led a multidisciplinary communications team at  Advanced Micro Devices that provided marketing solutions and support to domestic and international business units.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the newly formed Office of Economic Development team, bringing skills I developed at the Cockrell School of Engineering,” said Cherie Rachel. “I’m looking forward to exploring new opportunities while continuing the great work done through Corporate and Foundation Relations.”

The Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations helps companies and foundations navigate the university, identify opportunities for collaboration, and connect with the right faculty and programs to match interests. Cherie Rachel will serve as a resource to enhance the reach of the Office of Industry Engagement and increase industry partnerships.

“I am thrilled that Cherie Rachel joins us as senior director of corporate and foundation relations,” said Stacy Leeds, vice chancellor for economic development. “She has an impressive record of accomplishment in building public and private partnerships. We have already been inspired by her spirit of collaboration, which will be key to the success of our Economic Development team and the colleges and units we support."

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.