Alumna Joins University to Focus on Greek Fundraising

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Betsy Lavender

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Betsy Lavender joined the University of Arkansas on June 10 as the director of development for Greek initiatives. Lavender is a journalism graduate from the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and comes to the university after spending 14 years with Alltel Communications in Little Rock and also working in politics.

In her new role, Lavender reports to Charlotte Taylor, executive director of development for university initiatives, but will collaborate with colleagues across campus, particularly within student affairs and facilities management. She is responsible for aligning major giving opportunities for approved Greek capital and programmatic projects with donors who have an interest in giving back to these areas.

 “We are excited to add Betsy to our team,” Taylor said. “Greek Life initiatives are requiring increased private gift support and interaction with our volunteers, and Betsy will be able to give them the focus they deserve. In the last decade, our fundraising helped complete some significant projects for Sigma Nu, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta and the Pi Beta Phi Centennial Gate. We’re currently working on projects for Pi Kappa Alpha and Lambda Chi Alpha as well. As the Greek system continues to grow at the university, the number of these projects will grow as well.”

Lavender is pleased to be back on the Hill.

“I am very excited to be back at the University of Arkansas,” she said. “I love our university and our state, and it is an honor to serve them at my alma mater.”

Chris Wyrick, vice chancellor for university advancement, said, “Fundraising for Greek initiatives was previously grouped under the larger umbrella of university initiatives. However, we’ve seen quite an increase in Greek life projects and felt it was necessary to dedicate a full-time staff person to this important area. Betsy’s diverse experience will serve her well in her new role, since she will work on a variety of projects – from house renovations to scholarships – and interact with some of our most dedicated alumni. I am confident she will do an excellent job and help us further strengthen our Greek fundraising area.”

Lavender spent 14 years with Alltel Communications, beginning as a customer service representative and working her way up to staff manager of national distribution. During her time there, she received the Alltel Leadership Award. She followed this experience by serving as the national press advance senior lead for the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign, where she scheduled and arranged all media logistics and strategized with Clinton’s senior staff to craft campaign visuals. Her political experience also includes projects for the William J. Clinton Foundation, Democratic National Convention and the White House, working directly with Vice President Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden. Finally, she spent time on the Mike Beebe for Governor Campaign as his deputy campaign manager.

An active member of the Little Rock community, Lavender was named volunteer of the year for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pulaski County’s Big League program and the Little Rock Chi Omega Alumna of the Year. She currently serves on the Partners Card Committee for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.