About

The Division of University Advancement builds understanding and support for higher education by enhancing the university's image, engaging alumni and other constituencies in proactive functions, and raising private gift support.

Mission

The Division of University Advancement's mission is to develop support among primary external constituencies for the university's vision, goals, programs and activities.

Activities

Advancement activities range from fundraising through major gift and annual giving programs; public relations and communications programs involving news media visibility, publications and visual design, as well as electronic media initiatives that enhance the national stature of the institution; and alumni relations programs that seek to involve graduates in the ongoing life of the institution and bring new constituencies into the fold.

The division’s four units:

  • University Development, which raises funds to advance the university’s mission
  • University Relations, which provides public relations, communications and marketing support
  • Arkansas Alumni Association, which supports the 26,000-member association
  • Donor Engagement, which supports events and donor interactions that advance the university’s mission

Constituencies

Members of the advancement team reach out to supporters of the university, from alumni to corporations to Razorback fans to students and their families, some who have no formal relationship with the university but who nevertheless support the University of Arkansas.

Beyond alumni, friends and the news media, the constituencies of the Advancement Division include nearly everyone outside the institution who is in a position to influence its prospects for success. These audiences include business, industry, prospective students and their families, legislators, government officials, the national academic community, various professional communities, opinion leaders from all walks of life and the general public.

Administration and Academic Unit Support

University Advancement directly counsels, advises and consults with the campus administration on setting institution goals and policies and developing strategies to attain them. Advancement also works directly with the academic units to develop initiatives that generate public support for their goals as well. It frequently provides advice and counsel to colleges, schools and departments as well as the professional staff to help them realize their objectives.

Silas Hunt Art