Erin Rongers has been named the director of development for the Sam M. Walton College of Business effective Dec. 6.

"Establishing and cultivating relationships with our donors to transform the lives of our students has been a great honor and a privilege," Rongers said. "I look forward to leading the Walton College team and continuing our work with alumni and donors to advance the strategic priorities of the Walton College."

"With Erin's extensive background in development, she was a natural choice for this role," said Matt Waller, dean of the Walton College. "I have full confidence in Erin as a leader and ambassador for our college."

Since 2018, Rongers has served as the associate director of development for Walton College. Prior to joining the Walton team, Rongers served as the executive director for The Cancer Challenge chapter in nearby Bentonville, and as the executive director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas, where she managed business planning, board development, fund development, special events, programs and community relations.

Rongers holds a bachelor's degree in communications studies from the University of Texas and a master's degree in recreation with a concentration in sport management from the University of Arkansas. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.