Kristi Smith Takes Charge as UAPB's Vice Chancellor for Advancement

UAPB Appoints Kristi Smith as Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement

On November 9, 2026, Kristi L. Smith will step into her new role as the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). This significant appointment was announced by UAPB Chancellor Anthony Graham, highlighting Smith's nearly 20 years of experience in higher education fundraising, alumni relations, and advancement strategies.

As UAPB’s chief advancement officer, Smith will oversee a range of critical areas including fundraising, alumni engagement, corporate and foundation relations, and donor stewardship. She will also be a key member of the Chancellor's Executive Cabinet, which guides the university's strategic direction. Chancellor Graham expressed his confidence in Smith’s abilities, stating, "Kristi’s extensive experience in advancement, knowledge of Arkansas’s philanthropic landscape, and demonstrated ability to build meaningful relationships will be tremendous assets to our university."

Kristi Smith comes to UAPB after serving as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Development at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock). In her previous role, she managed alumni engagement programs, annual and planned giving initiatives, and corporate relations. She has played a pivotal role in UAR Little Rock's $250 million Centennial Campaign, which has already generated over $248 million.

Her notable achievements include initiatives like the Campus Campaign, which saw a 15% rise in faculty and staff donations since 2020. Furthermore, Smith has been instrumental in developing the Taste of Little Rock event, a successful community engagement effort that has raised more than $1 million for student scholarships.

Before her current position, Smith held various leadership roles within UA Little Rock's alumni and development sectors, securing significant donations and fostering strong donor relationships. Among her accomplishments is a $600,000 grant from the Crankstart Foundation to support student scholarships, as well as nurturing a transformative $10 million gift from the Donaghey Foundation.

In addition to her advancement experience, Smith has a diverse professional background that includes nine years in sales with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, where she was honored as one of the company's top nationwide performers. She also served as the administrative director of education in the Department of Pathology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and held positions in UA Little Rock’s Graduate School.

Smith holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from UA Little Rock. A graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXVI, she contributes to her community through her involvement on groups such as the Leadership Greater Little Rock Alumni Board and the LifeTouch Health Governance Board. Her professional and community efforts earned her recognition as one of Little Rock Soirée’s 2022 Women to Watch.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, designated as an 1890 Land-Grant HBCU, has been committed to fostering a diverse student body and offering a wealth of educational programs for over 150 years. With more than 50 undergraduate and master’s degree programs, as well as a doctoral program in Aquaculture/Fisheries, UAPB provides a comprehensive educational atmosphere. Its vibrant campus community hosts over 100 student organizations and has garnered a reputation for excellence in academics, arts, and athletics.

Smith's new role is expected to accelerate UAPB's strategic initiatives and create more avenues for alumni involvement, boosting the university's mission and aspirations for national prominence in higher education.