UA launches National Office of Advancement

The University of Arkansas Division of University Advancement has established a National Office of Advancement to enhance the university’s engagement and broaden its impact across the United States, the university announced Wednesday (Oct. 23).

The UA has appointed four national directors of philanthropy to the new office. According to the release, the directors will leverage the UA’s alumni network to promote the university’s fundraising priorities. The directors will also work with alumni groups, including the Arkansas Alumni Association National Board of Directors and Arkansas Alumni Chapters throughout the United States.

The directors’ mission includes “fostering a spirit of fellowship among alumni, providing continuous updates on the university’s progress and needs beyond the Fayetteville campus, and encouraging unified support among alumni and stakeholders for key initiatives.”

Following are the new national directors of philanthropy.
• Katy Nelson-Ginder will lead the western region after helping guide the UA’s $1.45 billion capital campaign, Campaign Arkansas. She has 30 years of experience at the UA and the University of Texas.

• Erin Rongers will oversee Texas. She’s experienced in fundraising and community relations.

• Mica Strother will lead the eastern region. Strother has worked in political consulting and fundraising, including most recently spending nearly eight years with the Razorback Foundation. She’s worked in senior roles, such as director of appointments for former Gov. Mike Beebe.

• Victor Wilson, who has experience in the public and private sectors, will be responsible for Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee. Wilson has been vital to advancing university strategies and fostering an inclusive environment as senior director of priority initiatives.

“Our vision for the national team is to stretch the borders of Arkansas from coast to coast and connect with alumni and friends of the University of Arkansas wherever they may be,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “We are excited to already see positive outcomes from this initiative. The national directors of philanthropy are enthusiastic champions for the U of A and integral in our effort to build transformative opportunities in service to our land-grant mission and strategic priorities.”