Forty Under 40: Meredith Brunen

Meredith Brunen’s always had a passion for helping students achieve their goals.

“I consider myself a perpetual student,” she said. “What better way to give back and take part in something I’m passionate about.”

Brunen graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2003 with a degree in Middle Eastern studies and international relations. In 2005, she received a master’s in higher education and, in 2012, a doctorate in higher education.

She started working at Northwest Arkansas Community College in 2005 as a development officer.

In 2010, she was promoted to her current post, managing the day-to-day operations of the college’s nonprofit foundation. She directs all areas of philanthropic giving to the college, and serves as liaison to the foundation’s regional board of directors.

Brunen was part of the team that helped NWACC complete its first comprehensive campaign, raising more than $16 million in private gifts.

Under her leadership, the ninth annual scholarship gala in March raised a record $111,500.

Helping provide educational op-portunities for students is one of the most rewarding things about her career, Brunen said.

“I’ve realized what an impact higher education had on my life,” she said. “Being able to do that for students is the most valuable thing, and what I’d consider the biggest highlight of my job.”