Ashley Bennett is the new director of institutional development at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts.
Bennett started in the position on July 1 and oversees the operation of the Office of Institutional Advancement and the ASMSA Foundation. She most recently served as an associate director of development at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where she also previously served as a development associate.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology as well as a master’s degree in college student personnel Administration, both from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Bennett is currently working on her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Arkansas Chapter.
Bennett said she is excited about the opportunity to serve as ASMSA’s chief fundraiser. She has a personal connection to the school — her oldest daughter is a senior this year. That has allowed her to become familiar with the benefits the school offers its students. That is why one of her early focus areas will be on parents.
“I think it is critical for ASMSA to have parents of current and past students be involved and active members of the ASMSA family,” she said.
Developing her relationships with members of the Hot Springs community to help foster their personal connections with ASMSA and helping Arkansans “to learn what a true gem we have on our hands by having this incredible school in our state” are also among her initial goals.
Bennett said she will draw on her own experiences as a first-generation college graduate to share how the gifts of potential donors can have an impact on the lives of ASMSA students who come from all parts of the state.
“As a first-generation college student, I am particularly drawn to the impact that ASMSA is having on education equity for students who want to be challenged, and test really high, but do not necessarily have the same means as others. I love that we are advocating for them and their families to have access to the learning environment the student needs and deserves.
“Between that work, the prestigious, hard-working faculty, the dedicated staff, and the administration, you have the chance to support a key institution that betters our communities and our state. I think people should consider putting ASMSA into their giving plans because that gift will have a lasting impact.”
Bennett and her fiancé, Jon, live in Benton with their children — twins Natyleigh, a senior at ASMSA, and Madalynn, a senior at Benton High School, as well as Ryne And Abby, both students at Benton Middle School.