Please join us to say farewell to Rachel Krest, executive director in the Office of Planned Giving, and celebrate her 20 remarkable years of service to the U of A.

The campus community is invited to celebrate Krest's achievements and to wish her well during a retirement reception from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Fowler House Garden and Conservatory.

"Rachel leaves an indelible mark on the university, and she will be greatly missed," said Kellie Knight, associate vice chancellor for advancement. "Rachel's dedication, creativity and forward-thinking leadership has positioned us for greater fundraising success in the future."

Krest, an alumna of the U of A, started her career at the university in the College of Engineering in 2004, and in 2005, joined the Division of University Advancement. She served in the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations and as the senior director of development for the Office of Annual Giving. Under her leadership, the Office of Annual Giving established several giving clubs and hosted the university's inaugural giving day, All in for Arkansas. Krest was the senior development officer for University Libraries from 2017-2023. She raised private gift support and increased awareness about University Libraries and the $60 million renewal of Mullins Library. Most recently, Krest served as the executive director in the Office of Planned Giving. She's worked with alumni and friends of the university on developing their charitable giving priorities through planned gifts, including bequests, charitable gift annuities and other options in estate planning.

"It's been a great privilege to collaborate with amazing alumni and friends, as well as remarkable colleagues who share a passion for making a positive difference for the university and all who call the Hill home," Krest said. "Our collective efforts to advance the University of Arkansas and its mission have been professionally and personally fulfilling to me. It's inspiring to know that our important work contributes to something lasting and far greater than any one of us."

"Rachel is an excellent colleague, friend and mentor," said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. "Throughout her career in Advancement, she continued to elevate each area she led and enthusiastically supported the mission of the University of Arkansas. She has made an incredible impact on the university, and we are grateful to Rachel for her service. We wish her well and will miss her."

Krest holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. She has served as a part-time pastor for the United Methodist Church in various local communities over the past several years and will transition to serve full time as the senior pastor for Oakley Chapel and Grace UMCs, both of Rogers, on Jan. 1, 2025.