FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Kellie Knight, scholarship and endowment officer for the University of Arkansas College of Engineering, has been named assistant director of development for the College of Engineering, effective Oct. 14, 2002.

The assistant director of development for the College of Engineering helps to plan and implement the college’s fund-raising priorities and institutional advancement activities. This position reports to the director of development of the college and is part of an overall university advancement program. The assistant director of development’s primary responsibility is to secure private sector funding and to foster relationships for the college.

Knight will work closely with the college’s director of development, Susan Vanneman, and will be involved with special events. The assistant director will play an important role in executing the College’s component of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century.

Interim Engineering Dean Neil Schmitt said, "I am extremely pleased that Kellie has accepted this new development position. She has played a key role managing our scholarship program and has worked closely with our volunteer leadership. Kellie is a talented professional who will bring great strengths to our development program."

Clay Edwards, assistant vice chancellor for university development, said, "We welcome Kellie into the development fold in this new capacity. Her familiarity with the College of Engineering, her stewardship experience and her skills working with and managing academic support programs will serve the College well."

Kellie earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Ill., where she majored in agricultural communications with an emphasis on news/editorial communications.

Her previous responsibilities as the scholarship and endowment officer included working closely with associate and assistant deans and departments heads in the selection of scholarship/fellowship recipients, coordinating special events, working with the Women in Engineering (WIN) Program, and serving as staff for the Engineering Advisory Council and the College’s Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Committee.

Prior to coming to the University of Arkansas, she held several managerial positions and was the financial aid director for Metro Business College in Rolla, Mo.

Knight said, "I’ve seen firsthand how important private support is to our students. I’m excited to be taking on this new position and helping to strengthen the College’s development efforts."

The College of Engineering’s Campaign goal is to raise $54.8 million in gifts and pledges by June 30, 2005. As of Sept. 30, 2002, $26.2 million has been raised.