Power to Lead Philanthropic Initiatives for Walton College

Photo by Brandon Ngo

Jeff Pratt, left, Mark Power, and Dean Brent Williams

Mark Power has been named assistant dean for philanthropy in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, effective July 8. Power joins Jeff Pratt, associate director of development for Walton College, to advance the college’s fundraising efforts under the leadership of Dean Brent Williams and Vice Chancellor Scott Varady. “I’ve known and admired Dean Williams for many years and am honored to serve as assistant dean for philanthropy in Walton College,” Power said. “Under his exceptional leadership, the college is one of the nation’s top business schools. It’s truly exciting to join Walton College at this pivotal time.”

In his new role, Power will provide strategic oversight and execution of fundraising initiatives to support Walton College priorities and achieve the college’s fundraising goals. 

“Mark’s experience, professionalism, and track record of fundraising success make him the perfect leader for the Walton College development and external relations team,” said Brent Williams, dean of Walton College. He is a wonderful addition to my leadership team and I am excited to work closely with him on furthering the strategic goals of Walton College.”
Power joined the university in 2001 as director of development in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. He was promoted to executive director of development in 2007, and in 2009, became the executive director of development and principal gifts. 

Power was named assistant vice chancellor for development in 2011 and associate vice chancellor for University Development in 2013. He served as vice chancellor of university advancement from 2017 to 2023 and most recently as senior advisor for philanthropic initiatives and national director of philanthropy. 

Power led the conclusion of Campaign Arkansas, which raised more than $1.44 billion for student, faculty, program and capital support for the university. He was also a key part of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, which finished in 2005 and raised more than $1 billion for the U of A.

“In support of the Sam M. Walton College of Business, the Advancement Division is excited to announce this new team,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “Mark is a dedicated advocate for the University of Arkansas and will excel in this role. We are confident that Mark and Jeff will have a positive impact on our goals and strategic priorities.”

“I’m excited Mark is joining our team,” said Jeff Pratt, associate director of development for Walton College. “I look forward to working with him to promote and advance the mission of Walton College.”

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.