Arkansas Edge NIL Collective Introduces New Executive Director
University of Arkansas alum Chris Bauer will lead Arkansas Edge through its next period of growth.
(Fayetteville, Ark.) Jan. 11, 2023 – Arkansas Edge, the official Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective of the Arkansas Razorbacks, is thrilled to announce its newly appointed Executive Director, Chris Bauer, signaling a pivotal phase of growth and development for the collective.
“As a native Arkansan and an alum of the University of Arkansas, Chris fully understands the passion of our state for the Razorbacks,” said Hunter Yurachek, University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics. “His knowledge of our fanbase and state paired with his professional background make him the ideal choice to lead Arkansas Edge. We are thrilled to welcome him back to The Hill and excited for the impact he and his team will have on our student-athletes and our success overall.”
As Executive Director, Bauer will spearhead Arkansas Edge’s strategic vision and will lead the collective in driving new fundraising and membership growth, developing corporate partnerships, managing the collective’s team and the relationship with the athletic department, and serving as the collective’s public face.
"NIL is one of the most exciting and innovative changes to happen in collegiate athletics in decades,” Bauer said. “It's changing the game for many programs - and, more importantly, it's changing the lives of student-athletes who get to lend their platforms to charitable causes, businesses, and their local community.”
A Hot Springs, Ark., native, Bauer is also a University of Arkansas alum, having graduated from the Sam M. Walton College of Business in 2003 with a degree in Marketing. A Razorback through and through, Bauer was also a member of the Razorback Marching Band, Hogwild Bands, and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
“I am both humbled and thrilled to be back on The Hill to lead the Arkansas Edge team that will launch NIL initiatives for Razorback student-athletes and my alma mater,” Bauer said. “As a native Arkansan, alum, and former Razorback Band member, I know how passionate this state, our fans, and our alumni are about the success of our Razorbacks. Everyone can now have a direct impact on our success. Because of this passion, Arkansas Edge has the opportunity to be one of the strongest NIL Collectives in the country."
Bauer’s impressive career began as a student at the University of Arkansas when he worked in the athletic department. There, he focused on marketing women’s athletics, managing in-game promotions, programming, and merchandise sales. Bauer has also worked in fundraising and event management during a stop at Duke University’s athletic department before earning his MBA and Masters of Science in Marketing at Clemson University. After then spending 12 years leading marketing strategy and client engagement at Acxiom in Little Rock, he most recently served as the VP of Marketing at global advertising agencies Kinesso and Matterkind under Interpublic Group focusing on B2B growth marketing, sales, and product launch strategies.
Bauer joins the Arkansas Edge team that will lead and develop NIL opportunities for all 465-plus Razorback student-athletes.
About Arkansas Edge
Arkansas Edge is the official Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective supporting 465-plus student-athletes at the University of Arkansas. Supporters, fans, and alumni who support Arkansas Edge are pledging to maximize opportunities for student-athletes to build their brands and engage with the community. There are various ways to get involved, including corporate partnerships, memberships, and charitable contributions. Arkansas Edge is powered by parent company Blueprint Sports. For more information about NIL partnerships with Razorback student-athletes, visit arkansasedgenil.com or follow @ArkansasEdgeNIL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
