Norris to Support College of Education and Health Professions Fundraising

Photo by Brandon Ngo

Tracee Norris

Tracee Norris has joined University Advancement as director of development for the College of Education and Health Professions. Norris has 20 years of higher education experience and has worked in university development since 2006. She began her new role on Aug. 20.

As director of development, Norris will support the college’s philanthropic objectives through the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of potential benefactors. She will help advance the college’s WE CARE strategic plan and implement fundraising initiatives that align with university and college priorities. 

Norris will collaborate with the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board, the Alumni Awards Selection Committee and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. 

“Tracee brings extensive experience in higher education fundraising and a deep commitment to student success to the team,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “She is a dedicated advocate for philanthropy to support the College of Education and Health Professions, and we are excited to have her join our team in the Advancement Division."

Norris joined the U of A most recently from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where she served as the associate director of development. Prior to that, Norris was the primary fundraiser for the College of Education at the University of South Florida and the director of development for the College of Liberal Arts at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

“I’m excited to be joining a great team in the College of Education and Health Professions,” Norris said. “My experience working in colleges with education and health-related fields has shown me the importance of preparing our future leaders with the skills they need to succeed. These professions create legacies that impact generations, and if I can contribute in any way to help make someone's dream possible, I consider it a true honor."

Dean Kate Mamiseishvili noted, “We are excited to welcome Tracee to our team. Her experience working at multiple higher education institutions and her intimate knowledge of education and health programs will add valuable insight to our fundraising efforts. I look forward to working closely with Tracee and fostering caring connections with our alumni, donors and partners.”

As a college student, Norris participated in the Disney College Program, earning a “Ducktorate Degree” for completing 50 hours of Disney’s learning and business courses. She attributes her Disney experience to helping secure her first job at Western Kentucky University after graduation. Norris remains a Disney fan today and visits there often with her family.

Norris is married to Chris Norris and is the former president and current trustee for the American Football Coaches Wives Association. They have one daughter, Breeze, and the whole family advocates for animal rescue and adoption. They have two rescue dogs, Mojo and Karma.

Norris holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and French from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master’s degree in sports management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

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.