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Laurie Ann Ross named UA - Pulaski Tech Vice Chancellor of Advancement

University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College has named Laurie Ann Ross as the new vice chancellor of advancement and executive director of the UA-PTC Foundation. Ross, a North Little Rock native and seasoned fundraising executive, will begin her appointment Jan. 26.

In her new role, Ross will oversee all fundraising, private gift administration and special event management for the college. Her responsibilities also include the administrative management of the Center for Humanities and Arts (CHARTS) Theater and the Windgate Art Gallery.

“Laurie Ann Ross is a veteran fundraising professional with deep ties to our community,” said UA – Pulaski Tech Chancellor Summer DeProw. “Her expertise and experience will further enhance UA – Pulaski Tech’s ability to ensure student success and prepare graduates for the workforce.”

Ross brings more than 24 years of experience in development and foundation relations to the position. With a distinguished career in higher education advancement, Laurie Ann Ross has demonstrated leadership and strategic vision in development and external affairs across several prominent institutions.

Most recently, she served as the Director of Development for General University at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, from April 2020 to May 2025. In this role, she focused on initiatives including student engagement and success, study abroad programs, capital projects, and scholarship support, all in service of the SMU Ignited $1.5 Billion campaign. Her notable achievements include securing $1.5 million for renovating student spaces in the Honors College and obtaining $500,000 for improvements at the SMU Taos campus in New Mexico. Ross also established innovative programming for community engagement with SMU Libraries, managed volunteer boards supporting two academic divisions, and actively promoted philanthropic opportunities among external constituents and alumni. As a member of the DEA Leadership Team, her contributions helped advance the university’s mission.

Prior to joining SMU, Laurie Ann’s career spanned over a decade within the University of Arkansas System. At the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, she held the role of Director of Special Events in 2019, overseeing all aspects of institutional advancement events, including operational planning, budgeting, vendor negotiations, and post-event reporting.

Additionally, she developed annual engagement plans, conducting feasibility studies for new event opportunities, and identifying major sponsorships for fundraising initiatives. As Senior Director of Development from 2015 to 2019, she managed a donor portfolio exceeding 100 individuals for UAMS Medical Center, collaborating with hospital administration to identify fundraising priorities and develop strategies for major gifts. In earlier roles, she spearheaded annual and special campaigns, fostered relationships with alumni nationwide, and engaged the Board of Visitors to support College of Medicine initiatives.

Laurie Ross’ tenure at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock further highlights her commitment to impactful development work in higher education. As Director of Development and External Affairs for the George W. Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology (EIT) in 2014, she refined philanthropic strategies, directed donor cultivation and stewardship, and coordinated grant opportunities with faculty and department heads.

Additionally, Ross provided leadership for the EIT Leadership Council and alumni initiatives, while managing media and public relations activities. From 2006 to 2014, as Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, she cultivated relationships with corporations, foundations, and individuals, managed a donor portfolio of more than 130, and played a central role in researching and preparing grant proposals. Her event leadership included major fundraising celebrations and the FINALE event for the Arts Humanities and Social Sciences College, which raised over $450,000 for fine arts programs. Through collaboration with the Willard and Pat Walker Foundation, Ross helped establish two $1 million-plus endowments for the Department of Nursing, supporting student scholarships and academic programs.

“UA – Pulaski Tech is a leader in education and workforce development for central Arkansas,” Ross said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to partner with Chancellor DeProw, the Foundation board, faculty, staff and students to advance the mission of UA-Pulaski Tech with our partners across our city and state.”

Laurie Ann Ross holds a Master of Arts in Applied Communications (2020) and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication (2013), both from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her academic background complements a career dedicated to advancing educational institutions through resource development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.

Her civic involvement includes serving as board president for the Presbyterian Village Retirement Community and holding board positions with the River City Men’s Chorus, the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.