Susie Nicholson Joins School of Law as Associate Director of Development

Photo by Brandon Ngo

Susie Nicholson

U of A alumna Susie Nicholson has joined University Advancement as the associate director of development with the School of Law, effective Aug. 1. 

Nicholson most recently worked at the Fayetteville branch of the Little Rock-based Sells Agency, where she had served as director of strategic services since 2021.

In her new role, Nicholson will support the School of Law’s philanthropic objectives through strategic planning and cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of potential benefactors. She will serve as liaison to the Law Alumni Society Board and work closely with the school’s Dean’s Circle and the Arkansas Law Review Academy.

“It is a thrill for me to return to my alma mater and join the School of Law development team during this centennial year,” Nicholson said. “I look forward to getting to know our faculty, staff and students, as well as engaging with our loyal alumni and friends as we celebrate these 100 years of legal education excellence.”

Nicholson has over 20 years of leadership experience in higher education. At Arkansas Tech University, she oversaw a historic reshaping of the university’s image. Nicholson’s team was instrumental in helping ATU grow from a small college with fewer than 4,500 students to a comprehensive university that now serves more than 12,000 students. 

“Throughout her career, Susie has shown a relentless commitment to higher education and has consistently prioritized student success,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Her dedication and experience will greatly impact our capacity to achieve strategic fundraising goals and elevate the student experience at the U of A.”

Nicholson began her career as public relations director for Pilgrim and Associates in Russellville, followed by 10 years as vice president for marketing at First National Bank in Russellville. She moved to higher education in 1998 as the assistant to the president for university relations at ATU. Nicholson later served as vice president for student services and university relations. 

“We are pleased that Susie has joined the School of Law community,” said Dean Cynthia Nance. “Her experience in higher education and business, along with her broad networks, will enable us to continue to expand the law school’s philanthropic mission. I look forward to working with her.”

After serving in a variety of volunteer roles including District IV chair, Nicholson was named to the CASE District IV Hall of Fame in 2023. CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) is a global non-profit association dedicated to educational advancement through alumni relations, communications, development, marketing and advancement services.

Nicholson has extensive volunteer experience including City Corporation, The Dance Foundation, Junior Auxiliary of Russellville, Main Street Russellville and First United Methodist Church of Russellville.

Nicholson holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the U of A and Master of Science in student affairs administration from Arkansas Tech University.

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 $3 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.