The Arkansas Alumni Association continues to strengthen its mission to connect and serve the University of Arkansas, hiring Kevin Trainor as its chief operating officer and associate executive director, beginning in August. The chief operating officer will be dedicated to integrating outreach, engagement and communications for the Arkansas Alumni Association and supporting the Division of Advancement.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Trainor as the new chief operating officer of the Arkansas Alumni Association. Kevin brings a deep love for the University of Arkansas and a wealth of experience that will help strengthen the bonds between our alumni and their alma mater. His leadership, integrity and long-standing commitment to Razorback excellence make him the perfect fit for this important role. I look forward to seeing the impact he will have in the years ahead,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson.

Prioritizing Strategic Alumni Engagement

The association is a critical outreach program of the University of Arkansas seeking best practices from across the country to meet the needs of all alumni. The organization provides engagement opportunities through membership experience, alumni communities, chapters, societies, digital media, magazine, travel and special events.

The chief operating officer will lead a team of nine staff members in building programs, creating alignment and coordinating activities across the association, division and university.

“Scott Varady and I have been reviewing the organizational structure and planning next steps for more than a year to elevate the Arkansas Alumni Association,” said Brandy Cox, associate vice chancellor and executive director. “His hire is perfect timing for the future of the association, and I am thrilled and honored to work with Kevin, an accomplished leader with experience navigating complex organizational structures and working with a wide range of constituents. He leads with integrity and will assist the association in taking our programs and division to the next level.”

Trainor has had a stellar career as a member of the University of Arkansas Athletics program. He served on the leadership cabinet and was in charge of the department's engagement efforts with student-athlete alumni in all sports. His 30-year career included executive and crisis management communications, and 15 years as the sports administrator for Razorback baseball. Trainor, a university graduate in journalism in 1994, earned his master’s degree from Arkansas in 2005.

“During the past three decades, I have been privileged to work alongside Kevin Trainor in various roles,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “Kevin is known statewide and nationally for his strategic leadership, character and integrity in service to the University of Arkansas mission. As a two-time graduate of the university, Kevin has been a positive ambassador for the institution and a trusted leader whose input is valued during both good times and challenging ones. In this new role, Kevin will play a pivotal part in advancing the best interests of our students, alumni and the university. His trademark sense of humor, Razorback spirit and deep connections with alumni including many outstanding Razorback student-athletes, will serve him well as he champions the mission of the Arkansas Alumni Association, University Advancement and the University of Arkansas.”

Aligning Experience with Alumni Mission

Trainor recently completed his term as the 70th president of the College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA). He remains on the organization’s board of directors as a past president. He is the chair-elect for the Southwest District of Public Relations Society of America and is a past president of the Northwest Arkansas PRSA Chapter.

In addition, he is on the board of directors of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame and the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, the Board of Trustees of the College Baseball Foundation and is an ex-officio board member of the Football Writers Association of America.

“When I first arrived on the Hill as a student in 1990, I couldn’t have imagined the opportunity to call this university and the state of Arkansas home for more than three decades,” Trainor said. “I’m grateful to Chancellor Charles Robinson, Vice Chancellor Scott Varady and Executive Director Brandy Cox for welcoming me to their team. This dynamic opportunity will allow me to continue to serve my alma mater and Razorbacks all over the world. Under Chancellor Robinson’s leadership, the University of Arkansas is experiencing unprecedented success. The Arkansas Alumni Association serves as an essential connection to our past while also playing a pivotal role in moving our institution forward. After all, our alumni are more than just names on Senior Walk, they are the legacy of our university yesterday, today and tomorrow.”

Trainor has been selected to serve at some of the most prestigious sporting events in the country. He has worked as the primary team media relations liaison to one of the competing teams in each of all 11 College Football Playoff National Championship games.

For 14 years, Trainor has been the press conference moderator for the nationally televised SEC Football Media Days. He has also been selected to serve as the press conference moderator at the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame induction weekend, numerous SEC Football Championship Games and the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament. Trainor has been a member of the media relations team for more than 28 Cotton Bowls, three NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Fours and numerous Masters Tournaments for CBS Sports.

About the Arkansas Alumni Association: The Arkansas Alumni Association Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to connect alumni, friends and students to the University of Arkansas. The association's mission is to connect and serve the University of Arkansas family.

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.