Office of Engagement Welcomes Jason Howard as Donor Experience Officer

The role of donor experience officer (DXO) was created to provide personalized outreach and deeper engagement with U of A supporters and alumni. Using video, phone, social media and a digital-first communications strategy, the donor experience officer will connect alumni and friends with their passions and interests on campus.  

“I am excited about this new opportunity,” Howard said. “It has always been a privilege to work at the University of Arkansas, and I have enjoyed every day of representing this amazing institution. This new role allows me to utilize my previous experience while I learn the nuances of the Office of Engagement and Annual Giving.” 

Howard will help develop and implement a student DXO program, providing learning and career readiness opportunities for students. He will also collaborate with the Annual Giving team to develop strategic and tactical operations in crowdfunding and the stewardship of annual gifts. 

“This program will allow us to be more intentional in how we connect with donors, alumni and friends of the university,” said Amy Linimon, assistant vice chancellor of engagement. “We expect to establish new relationships and reconnect with others in a meaningful way by crafting unique and customized digital experiences and conversations.” 

Howard has 14 years of experience at the U of A. He started in 2010 as a tele-counseling recruiter for admissions. In 2017 he moved to University Development as a fiscal support specialist and administrative support supervisor. Howard became the assistant director of development for the Sam M. Walton College of Business in 2021 and the associate director of development for Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences in October 2022.
 
“Jason is an integral team member in the Division of Advancement with a wide array of experience,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “As the donor experience officer, Jason is expanding the scope and reach of our mission to serve the university and our students by helping us partner and engage with our incredible network of alumni and friends in new and meaningful ways. We are excited to have him in this new role.”  
 
Outside of work, Howard enjoys singing and listening to music and audiobooks, and he has been known to entertain his colleagues with an occasional musical performance. He is a big supporter of Razorback athletics and seizes any opportunity to engage with colleagues and the vast network of U of A alumni. 

“I am very grateful to Chancellor Robinson, Vice Chancellor Varady and my supervisor, Amy Linimon, for this opportunity,” Howard said. “Working with this team presents a great challenge, and I am excited to be a part of this new phase of growth at the University of Arkansas.” 

Howard is a 2009 graduate of Pine Bluff High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the U of A.

About University Advancement: University Advancement advances the mission of the University of Arkansas by raising private gift support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and other institutional supporters. Working in philanthropic partnership with academic leaders and volunteers, Advancement team members are determined to advance the people, work, and impact of the greater whole at the University of Arkansas. 

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 few 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 and Economic Development News.