Director of Development Appointed for School of Law

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Nancy Irwin Cozart of Fayetteville, Ark., has been appointed to be director of development for the University of Arkansas School of Law, effective March 31, 2003.

Cozart earned a J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law and her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Arkansas Tech University. Her previous experience includes working as a research attorney for Wright, Lindsay, & Jennings, LLP in Fayetteville. Additionally, she has practiced law with the Irwin Law Firm in Russellville and privately in Fayetteville. She has volunteer experience as an elementary school tutor, on the executive board of the Butterfield Trail Elementary School parent-teacher’s association, with Circle of Friends (an organization that raises funds for Arkansas Children’s Hospital), on the Morgan Nick Foundation’s advisory board and the Washington Regional Foundation.

"I am extremely pleased that Nancy will be joining the School of Law as its director of development," said Richard Atkinson, dean of the School of Law. "The School of Law’s future hinges on our continued ability to attract support for students, faculty and specialized programs that equip today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders. One of our strategic priorities for the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century is to ask alumni and friends for their support as we work to expand and enhance our facilities."

The primary responsibility of the director of development for the School of Law is to secure private sector funding, to foster relationships and to plan and implement the unit’s fund-raising priorities and institutional advancement activities. Cozart will report to Atkinson, and to Clay Edwards, assistant vice chancellor of University Development.

Edwards said, "We’re happy to welcome Nancy into the development family. As an alumna and a practicing attorney, she is keenly aware of the needs of the law school and the interests of law alumni and friends. Her responsibilities will include seeking opportunities to ask alumni and friends for their support to endow professorships, enhance the caliber and diversity of the student body though increased scholarship support and establish centers for business law and entrepreneurial excellence."

Cozart said, "I’m looking forward to joining the School of Law as its director of development. The success of its Campaign thus far is exciting. There are still, however, goals yet to meet. I am eager to get started and continue building upon relationships with alumni and friends."