School of Law Names Director of Development and External Relations

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Patti Cox has been named director of development and external relations for the University of Arkansas School of Law, effective June 1.

Cox has worked in the university’s J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences since 2004, first as assistant director of development and then, in 2007, as the university’s first associate director of development. Cox’s responsibilities in the School of Law will include fostering lasting relationships with alumni and planning and implementing the school's fundraising priorities and institutional advancement activities.

 “We are thrilled to welcome Patti to the School of Law community,” said Cynthia Nance, dean of the School of Law. “Her wealth of experience and proven track record with the university make her a great fit with the law school. We look forward to working with her to build on our tradition of excellence and ensure even greater success in the future.”

“I have had the pleasure of working with Patti and the Fulbright College team for the past several months,” said Bruce Pontious, associate vice chancellor for university development, “and I know she will do a great job in this new capacity. Finding the right person to fill this critical role is something we took very seriously, and it is rewarding to see that we had the best person on our team already. Her experience positions her perfectly for this next step.”

In addition to her work with the University of Arkansas, Cox brings with her more than 20 years of experience as a writer, public relations specialist and volunteer coordinator. She served as an account executive, political consultant and copywriter for Williams-Crawford & Associates, a Fort Smith-based advertising, marketing and media firm. Cox was vice-chair of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board during her six-year term on the board, was the editor of Fort Smith Etc. Magazine and worked as an editor at the Southwest Times Record and the Arkansas Democrat. She also served as chair of the Sebastian County Election Commission.

Cox holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hendrix College in Conway. She is married to James O. Cox, a Fort Smith judge, and they have two children.

 “It will be a privilege for me to apply my experience and passion for higher education and the University of Arkansas on behalf of the students, faculty and programs of the School of Law,” said Cox. “Private support continues to provide the margin of excellence and expanded academic opportunities at the University of Arkansas.”