John Erck knows about building from the ground up. For the past three years, from the time it was in the planning phase, Erck worked hard to secure funding for a state-of-the-art, $40 million football operations facility for the University of Arkansas.
As the new Senior Director of Development and External Relations for the Sam M. Walton College of Business, he can drive down Razorback Road and see his contributions through the Fred W. Smith Football Center, which was dedicated in September.
Erck comes to the Walton College from the University of Arkansas’ Department of Intercollegiate Athletics where, as development director, he was in charge of securing private gift support for 19 sports programs and more than 460 Razorback student-athletes. Now he’s channeling the same passion and energy into the Walton College, where he’s in charge of helping meet a $235 million campaign goal in its quest to be a Top 20 public business college by 2020. While the college has had many excellent supporters who have “carried the load” through the years, he says he’s eager to share with new people the excellent opportunities possible with their help.
He says he finds his sports development background fits in nicely with Walton College supporters – many of whom he got to know while working for the Arkansas Razorbacks. (Walton College itself has produced many successful Razorback student-athletes.) For those he meets on behalf of the Walton College, he knows of a good conversation starter. “The good news is that a lot of people want to talk about athletics, too,” Erck says.
Erck, who began his new role in August, replaces Katy Nelson-Ginder, who was recently named the university’s assistant vice chancellor for development.
“John brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his new role in the Walton College,” says Walton College Dean Eli Jones. “His familiarity with the university and with Arkansas will mean a seamless transition as we all work to continue to build Walton into an even greater leader in international business education.”
Raised in Owatonna, Minn., Erck’s résumé includes serving three-and-a-half years as the director of major gifts and associate director of the National Commodore Club at Vanderbilt University and as assistant membership director with the Rams Club at the University of North Carolina.
While his background is strong in sports, Erck says it’s only one aspect of university life. “It’s important to remember that the academic portion of the university is the reason that we’re here,” he says.
He says he’s eager to continue the outstanding work of Nelson-Ginder, and he’s also glad to be at the Walton College. “It’s a professional environment, but it’s definitely a family atmosphere,” he says.
Erck, and his wife Erica, who is a University of Arkansas alumna, are the parents of three children: son Jack and two daughters, Ava and Liv.
When away from work, Erck says it’s no surprise he enjoys sports. He also likes to spend time with his family and travel.
And then there’s the time spent in his new job, which he says has started off well.
“The staff in this office is so good,” Erck says. “It’s great to have that support from both directions. It’s a great place to be.”
