Public Relations

NWACC AVP Jill Wagar earns CFRE credential

            BENTONVILLE (Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007) – NorthWest Arkansas Community College Associate Vice President for Development Jill Wagar was granted the prestigious Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential last month.

            CFRE offers the only internationally-recognized baseline professional credential for philanthropic fundraising executives.

            “Since her arrival at the College in October 2005, Jill has proven herself to be an effective leader,” College President Dr. Becky Paneitz said.

            “Under her leadership, NWACC has achieved new heights in fundraising. She has shown tenacity and wisdom in her direction of our capital campaign that has resulted in the two largest gifts received in NWACC’s history.”

            Paneitz said Wagar leads a 30-person Foundation Board of Directors with confidence and finesse.  The NWACC Foundation has since raised approximately $14 million toward a $16 capital campaign goal.

            “Her commitment to excellence and unsurpassed work ethic has gained the respect of board members, donors, community leaders, and all those with whom she works,” Paneitz said.

            “She has earned my confidence in her ability to secure private contributions to assist in funding the College’s needs. Jill’s enthusiasm for her work is surpassed only with the careful attention she gives to details.

            “She is a creative thinker who develops precise solutions to challenges and has the ability to move projects to completion.”

            Through the NWACC Foundation, the NWACC Development Department strives to grow the endowment, raise capital funds, and strengthen donor participation and levels of giving.

            The NWACC Development Department is part of the College’s Advancement Division, a group of 20 professionals dedicated to further advancing the College’s overall strength and ability for serving the needs of our students and citizens.

            Wagar has a B.S. degree in marketing and public relations from Oklahoma State University.

            Individuals granted  the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential have met a series of standards set by CFRE International which include tenure in the profession, education, demonstrated fundraising achievement and a commitment to service to not-for-profit organizations.  Candidates must pass a rigorous written examination testing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a fundraising executive.

            Wagar is a member of the 2007-2008 Leadership Benton County Class, Rogers Noon Rotary Club, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Council for Resource Development, and Council for Advancement and Support for Education.

Before coming to NWACC, Wagar was Development Director at The Children’s Center in Bethany, Okla., a private, non-profit hospital providing medical and respiratory care, rehabilitative therapies and special education to medically fragile children.

            Under Wagar’s direction, the Oklahoma Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized The Children’s Center as its Outstanding Fundraising Organization.

For questions/comments on this content, please contact jhall@nwacc.edu