Faculty and staff at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock have once again surpassed the national average for faculty and staff giving with the 2018 ALL IN Campus Campaign.

Last year, more than 700 faculty and staff members – 46 percent of all employees – contributed to the campaign.

Faculty and staff giving is important to the university’s overall fundraising efforts because foundations and corporations look for a high percentage of employee giving when making funding decisions. The national average for faculty and staff giving is 25 percent.

“The level of support received from our faculty and staff members inspires,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “I cannot express how grateful I am to serve with faculty and staff members who show their support.”

With the Campus Campaign, the emphasis is on participation rather than dollar amounts.

“Each gift, whether $1 or $1,000, is truly significant,” said Samantha Wiley, director of annual giving.

Funds raised through the annual Campus Campaign provide funding for programs, department and scholarships.

“As a faculty member and parent of a UA Little Rock alum, I’ve witnessed the impact first-hand that these scholarships can have on a student’s success,” said Tom Clifton, chair of the Department of Art and Design and a Campus Campaign steering committee member. “I think it’s important that we commit to the university as we ask others to do so.”

Aresh Assadi, another member of the Campus Campaign steering committee, said the level of faculty and staff participation is a point of pride for the university.

“As a first-generation student who has benefited immensely from receiving a college education, I am happy to be a part of this steering committee,” he said. “I believe that we are raising money for a great cause, and it has been incredibly heartwarming to witness the commitment that our faculty and staff have for our students. The internal giving rate at this campus is much higher than most.”

Recurring payroll deductions increased by 2 percent in 2018 over 2017. Additionally, the Office of Alumni and Development received several new planned giving commitments which will benefit students in perpetuity. Campus

Departments with 100 percent participation in the campaign received commemorative UA Little Rock water bottles provided by the alumni association. They are as follows:

Alumni and Development, Budget Office, Business Micro Computer Lab, College of Education and Health Professions Advising and Support Center, College of Arts Letters and Sciences Dean’s Office, College of Engineering and Information Technology Dean’s Office, Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education, Mail Services, Office of Military Student Success, Office of Title IX, Study Abroad, UA Little Rock STEM Center, and University Affairs.

Members of the  Campus Campaign Steering Committee included JR Andrews, Aresh Assadi, Dr. Greg Barrett, Tyson Baldwin, Regina Wade-Carter, Tom Clifton, Shawana Diaz, Dr. Christina Drale, Cassie Gehring, Keli Jacobi, Joni Lee, Darrell Morrison, Ashley Nipp, Dr. Mary Parker, Michael Singleton, Linda Stipsky, and Samantha Wiley.

Employees who work in the Jodie Mahoney Center for Gifted Education (top right), College of Engineering and Information Technology Dean’s Office (above left) , and Mail Services (bottom right) all have 100 percent participation in the 2018 Campus Campaign.