New leadership announced for Arkansas Edge

Kyle May will succeed Chris Bauer as executive director of Arkansas Edge, the name, image and likeness (NIL) collective for Razorback athletes, and Alex Harper was named director of corporate partnerships, the University of Arkansas announced Monday (July 15).

Since the implementation of the new NCAA NIL guidelines on July 1, 2021, there has been a surge in the establishment of NIL collectives, especially within Power 5 schools. The collectives provide a way for boosters and fans to engage with athletes through NIL deals, pooling financial resources and creating user-friendly marketplaces.

Typically initiated by influential alumni and boosters, collectives facilitate connections between supporters and athletes in the evolving landscape of NIL opportunities.

Bauer, named executive director in January, is stepping down for personal reasons but will remain in a part-time advisory role, according to the UA.

“It has been my honor and privilege to have served as the Executive Director for Arkansas Edge for my alma mater, working across athletic department administration and staff, coaches, donors, fans, business owners and leaders, and our student-athletes to build this program from the ground up to what it is today. As I pass the baton to Kyle to tend to a family matter, I do so with extreme confidence in Arkansas Edge’s future,” Bauer said.

May has spent the last decade fundraising at Walton Arts Center and Walmart AMP, most recently as the director of development for Walmart AMP. According to the UA, May oversaw all contributed revenue generation for the venue, in addition to all corporate partnerships and special event sponsorships for Walton Arts Center, responsible for raising more than $5.5 million annually. He also was part of the effort that raised $18 million for the expansion of the Walmart AMP in 2019 and 2020.

May graduated summa cum laude from Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.

“There has been so much incredible work done thus far with Arkansas Edge to help the Razorbacks recruit and retain top talent, and I am looking forward to hitting the ground running to continue that work,” May said. “Through NIL, Razorback student-athletes have the opportunity to leverage their personal brands in a way that can be life-changing, not only for themselves, but also for the wider community, organizations and businesses that they get to serve. I am thrilled to play a part in that change by leading the Arkansas Edge team.”

Harper is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University and recently worked as an account executive for Arkansas Business Publishing Group. He will help businesses promote their brands by engaging with Razorback student-athletes through NIL opportunities.

University of Arkansas graduate Emma Janes has been hired as membership and communications coordinator for the Edge. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in event management.