FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Mark Wilton, a veteran with 19 years of fundraising experience, has been named director of development and external relations for the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

Wilton has worked at the College of Agriculture at Auburn University since 2000, holding various positions in the development office, including coordinator and director.

“Mark is an experienced professional with a track record of tremendous success,” said Deacue Fields, dean of Bumpers College. “I’m familiar with some of his accomplishments at Auburn and expect him to come in and quickly connect with our friends, supporters, donors, alumni and other stakeholders. We’re excited to add him to our team, anticipate a smooth transition and look forward to his leadership in securing philanthropic support.” 

Wilton planned, led and participated in two successful strategic campaigns, topping set goals by 109 percent and 108 percent, generating more than $85 million in gifts. Wilton also secured three of the largest gifts ever to the college, $8.4 million, $6.2 million and $2.0 million for student and program support.

"I am thrilled and honored to join Bumpers College, and I am looking forward to working with a group of dedicated staff and faculty to help further the college’s mission,” said Wilton. “Bumpers College’s accomplishments so far during Campaign Arkansas are a testament to the committed stakeholders, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue and build upon that success.”

Wilton, who officially begins on April 1, will provide strategic direction to obtain major gifts, create a development plan, and direct fundraising, external relations and alumni engagement activities.

Wilton’s experience includes leading fundraising efforts in areas of major gifts, corporate giving and special events; creating and implementing strategic plans and campaigns to fund priority areas; networking with community, business and industry supporters; and interacting with volunteer leadership, administrators and colleagues.

“We are delighted to have Mark join the University Development team as director of development and external relations for Bumpers College,” said Katy Nelson, associate vice chancellor for University Development. “His experience in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University is impressive and will be invaluable for the remainder of Campaign Arkansas. He and Dean Fields already have a strong working relationship together, and they will make a great team raising private gifts to support the college’s vision.”

Wilton earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Auburn in 1993 and joined its College of Agriculture in 2000.

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 2.7 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.