Dr. Mary Bane Lackie
Her career in education spans nearly four decades. After extensive experience in Arkansas and internationally, Dr. Mary Bane Lackie joined the University of Central Arkansas in 2018. As UCA Vice President of University Advancement and UCA Foundation President, Mary was instrumental in the UCA NOW Campaign, which celebrated unprecedented success and early completion. Associate Vice President of Campaign & Development Joan Shofner elaborates, “Dr. Lackie was involved with the two largest gifts in UCA history. Participation in giving also reached an all-time high as 18,081 donors gave over the course of the UCA NOW campaign, surpassing the original and stretch goals”
Mary is equally committed to student success and believes removing financial barriers opens a path to pursue dreams. “It’s at the heart of every decision we make.” She notes, the UCA Commitment Program provides a debt-free plan. “We also support students in applying for federal and state financial aid and scholarships.” Joan adds, “The impact of Dr. Lackie’s fundraising is evident in the 114 newly endowed scholarships and 15 new faculty and programmatic endowments. Today, an average of close to 900 students receives $1.5 million in assistance from the UCA Foundation annually.”
Other leadership and innovations at UCA include cultivating life-long patronage with a robust planned giving program as well as increased alumni engagement in Northwest Arkansas. Practices and policies during her tenure established sustainable strategies for the university and the foundation. Mary credits the UCA Advancement Division as the most amazing team. “They are driven to win with a level of excellence that best represents UCA.” Cultivating possibilities for her colleagues and the university is what she does best. Foundation Past Chairman and Nabholz Vice Chairman & Chief Strategy Officer Brad Hegeman shares, “Dr. Lackie came to UCA with 30 years of experience in higher education and a passion for building relationships. Her fundraising prowess is evident as she has been involved in securing multiple million-dollar gifts.”
This Arkansas native hopes her work improves the state for future generations. “I love sharing my experiences from around the world with this place I call home. I want other Arkansans to have the same support and opportunities I had to pursue their dreams, wherever that leads.”
