Honors College Names Gill Director of Communications

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Shelby Gill

Shelby Gill, an Honors College alumna, seasoned writer and communications professional, was named director of communications for the Honors College at the University of Arkansas, effective Jan. 9. 

In her new role, Gill will lead the college’s marketing communications, media relations, social media, editorial, digital strategy and visual identity supporting the growth and development of the Honors College. 

Gill has more than 10 years of experience in journalism and communications focused on storytelling, design and digital media.  

Gill launched her career in Austin, Texas, where she worked in the non-profit sector leading organizations in communications strategy and fundraising. Most recently, she served as the chief development officer and interim CEO for Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas, garnering national press coverage and growing annual revenue by more than $1 million. 

“Shelby Gill brings all the skills — visual, technical, and literary — to take the Honors College into its next phase of Communications excellence,” said Honors College Dean Lynda Coon. “As an honors alumna and former Honors College intern, Shelby knows our pedagogical craft from the inside out. We are thrilled to welcome her to our honors cohort.”

Gill earned a bachelor's degree in journalism, magna cum laude, in 2014, from the U of A. She established a strong track record in leadership as an undergraduate, serving as an editor and features designer for The Arkansas Traveler and chairing the Society of Professional Journalists student chapter. 

She was awarded the Elizabeth Barnes Messner '38 Scholarship for her academic performance and received awards for writing and design from the Arkansas College Media Association. She also worked at the Writing Studio as an undergraduate consultant and interned at the Honors College as an editor under Kendall Curlee, the former director of communications. 

“My experience at the Honors College instilled confidence and curiosity in me,” Gill said. “When I began my career, my education gave me foundational knowledge and skills to grow and lead in my industry. For me, there is no greater joy than sharing stories and celebrating the success of our students and faculty. I’m thrilled to return to the Honors College.”

Gill has served on the board of the Flower Hill Urban Homestead Museum and led the media section of the Texas Youth and Government program. Her work has been published both locally and nationally. 

About the Honors College: The University of Arkansas Honors College was established in 2002 and brings together high-achieving undergraduate students and the university’s top professors to share transformative learning experiences. Each year the Honors College awards up to 90 freshman fellowships that provide $80,000 over four years, and more than $1 million in undergraduate research and study abroad grants. The Honors College is nationally recognized for the high caliber of students it admits and graduates. Honors students enjoy small, in-depth classes, and programs are offered in all disciplines, tailored to students’ academic interests, with interdisciplinary collaborations encouraged. All Honors College graduates have engaged in mentored research.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.