PINE BLUFF, Ark.—Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles King as the new Executive Director of College Advancement and Development. King brings over 20 years of experience in fundraising across both higher education and corporate sectors.
King has held pivotal positions, including Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Philander Smith University and Senior Development Officer at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where he was instrumental in advancing fundraising efforts and boosting community involvement.
His commitment to education and community empowerment is also reflected in his active participation with various non-profit organizations across Arkansas, highlighting his dedication to the development and support of underserved populations.
As Executive Director, King will focus on identifying and engaging potential funding sources, including corporate and private foundations, to support the College’s initiatives. His responsibilities will include developing annual budget proposals, monitoring fund utilization, and serving as a liaison between the college, its foundation, and the community.
A significant priority on his agenda is the SEARK athletics capital campaign, which follows the introduction of women’s softball and men’s baseball teams in Fall 2023, along with men’s and. women’s basketball and golf teams launched Fall 2024.
“As a servant leader, I am happy to join the team at SEARK,” King said. “The college is poised for growth, and I am looking forward to expanding our reach into the community.”
Dr. Tyrone Jackson, President of SEARK, expressed his enthusiasm for King’s arrival, stating,
“Mr. King is a valuable asset to the SEARK team. His extensive fundraising experience will strengthen our current initiatives, and I’ve challenged him to hit the ground running.”
The SEARK community is excited about this new development, believing that the institution is making positive changes to increase community engagement. King’s appointment marks a significant step forward in SEARK’s mission to provide quality education and promote lifelong learning in Southeast Arkansas.
