The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville said Scott Varady will take over as vice chancellor for university advancement in April, replacing Mark Power.
Varady is the executive director of the Razorback Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm of the university’s athletic department, a position he has held since 2015. Before that, he was the university’s general counsel.
Power has been vice chancellor for university advancement since 2017 and will become a senior advisor of philanthropic initiatives.
"During some challenging times, Scott provided transformative leadership in building an outstanding team of fundraising professionals who helped the Razorback Foundation become a full-menu fundraising organization, successfully cultivated hundreds of friends and volunteers, and raised millions of dollars in private gift support benefiting Razorback student-athletes, athletics programs and facilities," UA Chancellor Charles Robinson said. "His deep friendships in the state and his understanding of the university landscape make him ideally suited to step into this significant role at this pivotal time."
Under Varady’s leadership, the foundation raised money to cover the costs of expansions and renovations of several of the university’s on-site athletic venues. The foundation also opened offices in Little Rock and Jonesboro.
Billye Veteto, the foundation's chief financial officer, will take over on an interim basis beginning April 17, according to the Razorback Foundation.
"As a native Arkansan and a graduate of this extraordinary institution, I am humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to serve the University of Arkansas, our alumni and the citizens of the state of Arkansas in this new role," Varady said. "As the flagship university of the state, the University of Arkansas serves a vital role. I look forward to working alongside our advancement team to generate the necessary resources to achieve excellence on a national and international level."
Power led the university’s Campaign Arkansas project, which raised more than $1.4 billion, and helped with its $1 billion Campaign for the 21st Century. Robinson said he wanted to keep Power at the university after he decided to leave the advancement department.
"When he signaled to me his desire to step down, I felt it would be good for the institution to retain his history and expertise in this critical area," Robinson said.
