Marla Sheely has joined the College of Engineering as a development support specialist assisting members of the development and external relations team. She began her duties Jan. 3.

Sheely worked for nearly a decade as a special education paraprofessional at McNair Middle School in Fayetteville. Her background also includes work as a special projects producer for an Austin, Texas, television station, and she served as public information officer for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in Austin for 14 years.

She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.

Bill Lansden, senior director of development and external relations, said Sheely's communications experience, adaptability and strong work ethic made her an ideal fit for the post.

"We have a full slate of activities planned this year, and we're grateful to have Marla join our team to help us realize our goals in development and alumni engagement," he said.

Sheely's duties will include providing administrative support to major gift officers and coordinating donor engagement activities and special events. She will assist the team with appointments and travel, research and proposal writing, in addition to other duties.

Sheely lives in Fayetteville with her husband, Steve. They have three sons, Jordan, John and Joseph.