Mitchell Spearman Named Development Director at UA Bumpers College

Mitchell Spearman of Fayetteville is the new director of development for the University of Arkansas Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. Spearman assumed his new duties Oct. 1, and he reports jointly to Mike Vayda, dean of the Bumpers College, and Mark Power, assistant vice chancellor for university development. Spearman also has planned giving liaison duties with the Arkansas Alumni Association.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mitchell to the Bumpers College family,” said Vayda. “As we work to further engage our alumni and friends, it is critical that we have a passionate and knowledgeable fundraising professional to lead the way. Mitchell’s background in agriculture, his love for the university and his sincere interest in getting to know people make him the ideal person to fill that role. We are excited for the future of Bumpers College.”

Before joining the University of Arkansas staff in 2011 as a director of planned giving, Spearman served as the assistant vice president of gift planning and major gifts at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa. There, he planned, managed and coordinated the marketing and development of the planned giving and major gift solicitation for the university.

Prior to his role at Drexel, Spearman worked as the assistant director and then the director of gift planning at Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C.

Spearman’s prior experience included working for Sen. Strom Thurmond and as a law clerk for the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Spearman holds a bachelor’s degree from Presbyterian College and a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.