Robert Morris (’20) has joined the development team at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Morris will serve as Associate Director of Development in the UAMS Office of Institutional Advancement.
In his new role, which officially begins September 20, Morris will raise funds for a variety of purposes serving both the academic and medical sides of the institution, including student scholarships and public health projects.
Morris earned his Master of Public Service through the Clinton School and a concurrent Master of Public Health from the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health.
“I have been interested in fundraising for many years, especially within the healthcare industry,” Morris said. “My philanthropy experiences in my undergraduate institution were actually what brought me to apply to the Clinton School and thus UAMS as I knew receiving degrees in public service and public health would align with my passion to help provide opportunities to bring people from one place in their lives to the next through philanthropic efforts.”
A graduate of Arkansas State University, Morris’ undergraduate experiences helped to pave his way to the Clinton School. Those experiences included work with the St. Jude Children’s Research Center, United Way of Northeast Arkansas, and Arkansas State’s annual Up ‘til Dawn Fundraiser. Through his fraternity, he helped raise funds for Arkansas Children’s Hospital by planning the Color Run for the Kids, a 5K run/walk fundraiser.
“What resonated with me was how acts of philanthropy can help to bring people to a place that can improve their lives,” Morris said, reflecting on his undergraduate experiences. “Realizing my passion for philanthropic work, especially for issues dealing with health and health care, quite literally changed the course with which I took my career path.”
Before accepting the position with UAMS, Morris spent more than a year working as the Lead Pharmacy Technician with Brian’s Pharmacy in Sherwood, Ark., assisting the community-owned pharmacy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a student, Morris’ Capstone project developed health resources with Harmony Health Clinic, a Little Rock nonprofit that seeks to provide access to quality health care at no cost to patients, to keep underserved Arkansans safe throughout the pandemic. In the summer of 2020, he worked remotely with Helping Overcome Obstacles Peru (HOOP), a nonprofit using education to help Flora Tristan families break the cycle of poverty. He created and implemented a communication plan focused around preventative health and hygiene tips and fundraising in light of COVID-19.
“I am so excited for this opportunity, as it is a perfect combination of all of my interests,” Morris said. “I am so looking forward to seeing first-hand how the office’s work will benefit the state of health all throughout Arkansas throughout such an important time.”
Responses