The Arkansas Alumni Association announced Monday (July 21) Kevin Trainor as chief operating officer and associate executive director beginning August 2025.
Trainor was a longtime fixture in the University of Arkansas sports information office.
As chief operating officer, Trainor will focus on integrating outreach, engagement and communications for the Arkansas Alumni Association and supporting the Division of Advancement, according to a press release.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Trainor as the new chief operating officer of the Arkansas Alumni Association. Kevin brings a deep love for the University of Arkansas and a wealth of experience that will help strengthen the bonds between our alumni and their alma mater. His leadership, integrity and long-standing commitment to Razorback excellence make him the perfect fit for this important role. I look forward to seeing the impact he will have in the years ahead,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson.
The association provides engagement opportunities through membership experience, alumni communities, chapters, societies, digital media, magazine, travel and special events.
The chief operating officer will lead a team of nine staff members in building programs, creating alignment and coordinating activities across the association, division and university.
“Scott Varady and I have been reviewing the organizational structure and planning next steps for more than a year to elevate the Arkansas Alumni Association,” said Brandy Cox, associate vice chancellor and executive director. “His hire is perfect timing for the future of the association, and I am thrilled and honored to work with Kevin, an accomplished leader with experience navigating complex organizational structures and working with a wide range of constituents. He leads with integrity and will assist the association in taking our programs and division to the next level.”
Trainor has had a storied career with the University of Arkansas Athletics program. He served on the leadership cabinet and was in charge of the department’s engagement efforts with student-athlete alumni in all sports. His 30-year career included executive and crisis management communications, and 15 years as the sports administrator for Razorback baseball. Trainor, a university graduate in journalism in 1994, earned his master’s degree from Arkansas in 2005.
“During the past three decades, I have been privileged to work alongside Kevin Trainor in various roles,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “Kevin is known statewide and nationally for his strategic leadership, character and integrity in service to the University of Arkansas mission. As a two-time graduate of the university, Kevin has been a positive ambassador for the institution and a trusted leader whose input is valued during both good times and challenging ones. In this new role, Kevin will play a pivotal part in advancing the best interests of our students, alumni and the university. His trademark sense of humor, Razorback spirit and deep connections with alumni including many outstanding Razorback student-athletes, will serve him well as he champions the mission of the Arkansas Alumni Association, University Advancement and the University of Arkansas.”
Trainor recently completed his term as the 70th president of the College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA). He remains on the organization’s board of directors as a past president. He is the chair-elect for the Southwest District of Public Relations Society of America and is a past president of the Northwest Arkansas PRSA Chapter.
In addition, he is on the board of directors of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame and the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, the Board of Trustees of the College Baseball Foundation and is an ex-officio board member of the Football Writers Association of America.
“When I first arrived on the Hill as a student in 1990, I couldn’t have imagined the opportunity to call this university and the state of Arkansas home for more than three decades,” Trainor said. “I’m grateful to Chancellor Charles Robinson, Vice Chancellor Scott Varady and Executive Director Brandy Cox for welcoming me to their team. This dynamic opportunity will allow me to continue to serve my alma mater and Razorbacks all over the world. Under Chancellor Robinson’s leadership, the University of Arkansas is experiencing unprecedented success. The Arkansas Alumni Association serves as an essential connection to our past while also playing a pivotal role in moving our institution forward. After all, our alumni are more than just names on Senior Walk, they are the legacy of our university yesterday, today and tomorrow.”
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