The U of A has established a significant presence beyond the state, drawing students, faculty and partnerships from across the country and around the globe. To further strengthen ties with alumni, friends and industry partners and increase private gift support, University Advancement has launched its National Office of Advancement. This initiative aims to enhance the university’s engagement and broaden its impact across the country.

The team of national directors of philanthropy will leverage the university’s extensive alumni network to promote the university’s fundraising priorities more effectively. This national team will also collaborate closely with alumni channels, including the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board of Directors and Arkansas Alumni Chapters throughout the United States. Their mission includes fostering a spirit of fellowship among alumni, providing continuous updates on the university’s progress and needs beyond the Fayetteville campus and encouraging unified support among alumni and stakeholders for key initiatives.

The Division of University Advancement and campus leadership are enthusiastic about this new direction.

“Our vision for the national team is to stretch the borders of Arkansas from coast to coast and connect with alumni and friends of the University of Arkansas wherever they may be,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “We are excited to already see positive outcomes from this initiative. The national directors of philanthropy are enthusiastic champions for the U of A and integral in our effort to build transformative opportunities in service to our land-grant mission and strategic priorities.”

The National Office of Advancement's national directors of philanthropy include:

• Katy Nelson-Ginder, an alumna, leads the western region after successfully helping guide the university's $1.45 billion capital campaign, Campaign Arkansas. With over 30 years at both the University of Texas and the U of A, Nelson-Ginder is excited to collaborate with university leaders and donors to advance key fundraising initiatives and strengthen the institution's future.
• Victor Wilson, covering Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee, has a background in both public and private sectors. A U of A alumnus and graduate of the Sam M. Walton College of Business, Wilson played a vital role in advancing university strategies and fostering an inclusive environment as a senior director of priority initiatives.
• Erin Rongers, who oversees Texas, has extensive experience in fundraising and community relations. A proud alumna from Houston, Rongers looks forward to reconnecting with Razorback alumni and building philanthropic support in her region.
• Mica Strother, leading the eastern region, has an extensive background in political consulting and fundraising, including most recently spending nearly eight years with the Razorback Foundation. She has held senior roles, such as director of appointments for former Gov. Mike Beebe’s administration. Strother is enthusiastic about expanding the U of A’s outreach to alumni and supporters across the eastern United States, connecting with those who continue to represent and support the university beyond Arkansas. 

The added energy and commitment dedicated to advancing relationships will benefit the university's land-grant mission in service to students and help maximize the U of A’s imprint on a national scale through engagement.

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.