Kristi Smith, senior director of development in the Office of Alumni and Development, has taken on the additional duties of leading the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Alumni Association.

Smith will serve on an interim basis, effective immediately, until someone is hired to replace Ryan Miller, who stepped down last week.

“Kristi is uniquely suited to lead the association,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “She earned a bachelor’s degree from UA Little Rock as a Donaghey Scholar in 1995 and a master’s degree in public administration two years later. While pursuing a career in pharmaceutical sales, Kristi served two terms on the Alumni Board of Directors helping to re-establish the association’s mission that led to increased scholarship support for students.”  

Since joining our staff in 2016, Smith has taken the lead on several key philanthropic initiatives, including the Chancellor’s Circle and the Foundation Fund Board of Directors, and she is heavily involved in campaign planning.