University of Arkansas Foundation

Robert Koster, a Pangburn, Arkansas native, was named the foundation’s sixth President/CEO on May 7th, 2025. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in accounting from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, in 1991 and earned his certified public accounting designation in 1992. Robert joined the foundation upon graduation in 1991 and has held various positions during his tenure, ultimately rising to the positions of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer before becoming President/CEO.

Dianna Lee is a native of Lead Hill, Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville in 1981 with a B.S.B.A in accounting. She is a certified public accountant and worked as senior accountant for Transco Energy Co. in Houston, Texas, as an accounting supervisor for Cooper Communities and as an accounting manager for Jones Truck Lines before joining the foundation in 1988.

Traci Phelan has lived in Northwest Arkansas for over 35 years. She received her B.S.B.A. in Finance from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville in 1992. Following graduation, she was employed by the University of Arkansas Division of Continuing Education. Traci then joined the UA Foundation in 1994 and has held the titles of Administrative Assistant, Senior Accounting Assistant, Accounting Manager, and Controller. Traci earned her Certified Public Accountant certification in 2018 and was named Chief Financial Officer in 2023.

Adam Rose is a native of Bradford, Arkansas, and a graduate of University of Central Arkansas (B.S. in Public Administration), the University of Arkansas School of Law (Juris Doctor), and the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School, Charlottesville, VA (Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Military Law). Prior to joining the foundation, Adam served as Associate General Counsel at the University of Central Arkansas, on active duty as a Judge Advocate for the National Guard Bureau, and various legal roles in private and public settings. Adam currently serves as a Judge Advocate in the Arkansas Army National Guard at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Ian Brown joined the foundation as Director of Investments in April 2026. Prior to joining the foundation, he spent eight years at Cambridge Associates, where he held several roles, most recently serving as Associate Investment Director. Ian earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics from the College of William & Mary in 2017 and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.

Barbara Esch, a native of Fort Smith, Arkansas, earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting through Arkansas State University at Westark College University Center (now University of Arkansas at Fort Smith) in 2001. She then accepted a temporary position at UAMS and was subsequently hired permanently and advanced through various roles, most notably with Institutional Advancement from 2008-2014. She received her Master of Accountancy from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in May 2012. In March of 2014, she transferred to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Barbara joined the Foundation as Staff Accountant in February 2016 and earned her Certified Public Accountant certification in May 2017. Barbara was named Controller in 2023.

Susie Yeager is a Fayetteville local and University of Arkansas alumna. She received her B.S.B.A in Accounting and Spanish and her Master of Professional Accountancy from the University of Arkansas in 2023. Susie became a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of Arkansas in 2024. Prior to joining the foundation, she worked as an External Reporting Analyst at Evergy in Kansas City, Missouri, for two years. Susie joined the UA Foundation in 2025 in the role of Senior Accountant.

Amy Bell has lived in Northwest Arkansas for 30 years. Before joining the University of Arkansas Foundation in July 2020, she worked for the University of Arkansas for over 28 years. In those 28 years, she served campus in various roles from a Payroll Specialist in Human Resources to 19 years as Fiscal Director for Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences.

Robyn Winkle is a native of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Before joining the University of Arkansas Foundation in May 2000, she worked for TransMontaigne Inc., a petroleum products corporation, and served as Manager-Cash Management.

Kenley Casey is a native of Northwest Arkansas. Before joining the University of Arkansas Foundation in November of 2007, she worked for the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business.