Benjamin Carter 

Staff Q & A

Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas

Title: Senior Director of Development

Years of Service: 19 years

Education: B.A. History, University of Oklahoma

How long have you been at the University of Arkansas in Student Affairs? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

I started part-time in Student Affairs in 2018 and full-time since 2020. The impact Student Affairs has on students is what I enjoy the most. I truly believe Student Affairs programs and staff are the reason the university is setting record high student retention and graduation rates!

Tell us a little about your role in Student Affairs. What brings you joy in this role?

My role is to engage with staff and donors to find private gift support for Student Affairs programs. This job brings me great personal joy knowing that, in a small way, I have been able to find resources that help a student have a great college experience, stay in school and graduate.

What is the greatest misconception people have about Student Affairs and how do you break that?

Without question, the greatest misconception about Student Affairs is that people on and off campus do not know what we do. A lot of donors I first meet will say they never interacted with Student Affairs and then I ask them about their on-campus housing experience or an RSO they joined their first year of college and tell them that is Student Affairs, they realize that Student Affairs had the greatest impact on their college experience!

What do you like to do with your time outside of the University?

Outside of the University, I spend all my time with my family. I love my wife and children more than anything and making them happy makes me happy!

What do you hope students and colleagues will remember about your interactions?

I hope colleagues and students only remember me as ‘I can’t remember his name, but he sure did raise a ton of money to support staff and students!’

Is there anything else you would like to add or let our readers know?

Call me (479-575-4663), email me bcarter@uark.edu , or stop by my office any time!