Thomas L. Stephenson has been named a senior director of development at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where he is heading up philanthropic activities with the Myeloma Institute.
Stephenson has an extensive history in fundraising, principal and planned giving, public policy and legislative affairs. He has held positions with The Community Foundation of Inland Southern California, PCI Global of San Diego, the University of California Irvine, the SETI Institute and The Irvine Company. Stephenson has raised philanthropic funds in varied fields, including neurosciences and ecological preservation, and at all levels of education from primary to university.
A graduate of California State University, Fullerton, Stephenson holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in physical education administration. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Western State University School of Law in Fullerton, California. He also earned the designation of Certified Specialist in Planned Giving from California State University, Long Beach.
“I am very pleased to join the dynamic team at UAMS,” said Stephenson. “I look forward to working with our Myeloma Institute volunteers and scientific leaders in raising philanthropic support that will enable the institute to continue its growth as a world leader in myeloma research and compassionate patient care.”
Gareth Morgan, MD, PhD, director of the UAMS Myeloma Institute, is leading major research initiatives aimed at developing curative treatments for patients with myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the blood, and related diseases. He is excited to have Stephenson on board.
“Tom brings tremendous depth of experience and expertise to our program,” Morgan said. “He will be instrumental in helping move our research to the next level for the benefit of patients worldwide.”
“I am pleased to welcome Tom to the team and look forward to the fine work he will do on behalf of the Myeloma Institute and UAMS,” said Lance Burchett, vice chancellor for Institutional Advancement.
The UAMS Myeloma Institute is the most comprehensive center in the world for research and clinical care related to multiple myeloma and related diseases, such as Castleman Disease and Waldenstrom Macroglobulemia. The institute’s team of scientists and clinicians has pioneered many advances that have become standards of care, leading to improved survival rates. The institute is known for continually translating advances in the laboratory into breakthrough clinical treatments.