Lauren Selby, a two-time University of Arkansas graduate and native of southeast Arkansas, has been named associate director of development for the U of A's Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

Selby provides a strong personal connection to agriculture along with a proven record of success in development, recruiting and donor engagement to the college's dean's office staff.

"Lauren's appointment to join Bumpers College reflects the college's vision of cultivating innovative leaders who will drive positive change in agriculture, food and life sciences, and our commitment to fostering exceptional talent to make the greatest impact," said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. "Lauren's demonstrated success in building meaningful relationships, her practical experience with agriculture as part of her family's farm, and her love for the university as a two-time graduate, uniquely positions her to help drive forward the college's priorities. We're proud to have Lauren continue to lead in ways that elevate Bumpers College and the university."

"Bumpers College is working to build stronger connections with our alumni and supporters to fund initiatives that fuel student success and improve lives throughout Arkansas," said Dan Miller, director of development and external relations for Bumpers college. "Her ag background and experience combined with her experience in higher education make her a perfect addition to our team."

She joins Bumpers College after previously working as assistant director of development in U of A's College of Education and Health Professions since 2023. She played a leading role in building donor relationships and advancing the college's fundraising priorities. During her tenure, she secured more than $4 million in philanthropic support, including a $3 million gift to the Land of Opportunity initiative and a $1 million endowed scholarship. She also led stewardship efforts, created donor-facing communications and event materials, and planned signature college events such as the Scholarship Recipient and Benefactor Luncheon and the Alumni Awards Dinner.

"I'm honored to join Bumpers College and contribute to its mission of preparing future leaders and empowering solutions that touch every aspect of daily life from the ground up," said Selby. "This community is deeply committed to making a lasting impact, and I'm excited to support that work by building strong partnerships and advancing the college's vision. As an alum, it's especially meaningful to return to a role that allows me to give back to a place that shaped so much of my journey."

"Lauren has been an invaluable member of the College of Education and Health Professions team," said Tracee Norris, director of development in COEHP. "From her time in admissions to earning two degrees from the college, Lauren's deep institutional and college knowledge, professionalism, and ability to build meaningful relationships have made a lasting impact. While we will miss her, we're excited to see her continue serving the university in her new role with Bumpers College and look forward to all she will achieve in the future."

Before moving into development, Selby served as COEHP's coordinator of student recruitment for just under a year. She helped guide prospective students and families through the college admissions process. She also held roles in corporate recruiting with JB Hunt, nonprofit advancement at Northwest Arkansas Community College and the Razorback Foundation, and she worked in private sector operations and marketing.

Selby, a Monticello native, comes from a third-generation farm in Portland, Arkansas, where her family grows rice, cotton, corn and soybean. With first-hand experience in the vital role agriculture plays in the state, she holds a deep respect for the farming community—one that now drives her passion for sharing the story of agricultural, food, and life sciences education.

She earned bachelor's (2017) and master's (2019) degrees from the U of A in sports management.

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About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture. For more information about Bumpers College, visit our website, and follow us on Twitter at @BumpersCollege and Instagram at BumpersCollege.

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.