Kristi and Greg Smith have known each other much of their lives. They grew up in Maumelle and became high school sweethearts. Kristi always knew college was in her future, but Greg was not so sure.
"After high school, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. Kristi guided me towards more education," Greg recalls.
Greg was enrolled at another university and Kristi decided to enroll at UA Little Rock where she received the prestigious Donaghey Scholarship.
"As a Donaghey Scholar, I was able to graduate UA Little Rock debt-free and I recognized how fortunate I was," she says.
While at UA Little Rock, Kristi became a member of the Epsilon Phi Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
"AKA was an important part of my life at UA Little Rock and it's an important part of UA Little Rock. Both AKA and UALR prepared me for each step in my career," she says. "I'm very thankful to still be connected to both the sorority and my alma mater."
In fact, the Epsilon Phi Chapter is celebrating 50 years on the UA Little Rock campus in 2020.
Kristi spent nine years as a pharmaceutical sales representative when she had the opportunity to "come home" and join the Development staff at UA Little Rock where she currently serves as Senior Director of Development as well as Interim Executive Director of the UA Little Rock Alumni Association.
"I served on the Alumni Association Board, and I witnessed first-hand the impact our donors had on UA Little Rock students. I knew then that I wanted to help my alma mater as part of the Development team," she says.
Their love of UA Little Rock led Kristi and Greg to establish a scholarship through their estate plan. As Kristi states, "Seventy-five percent of our students need financial assistance...the least I can do is give back a portion of what UA Little Rock has given us."
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and a Master in Public Administration, Kristi is ALL IN for UA Little Rock. As Greg puts it, "Kristi loves UA Little Rock. She is fundamentally grounded in UA Little Rock."
Support What Matters Most to You
You, too, can make a meaningful gift to UA Little Rock to support future students and programs. Contact Ginger Daril at vlkays@ualr.edu or 501-916-6437 to learn more.
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