On behalf of Interim Dean Jennifer Setlow:
I am delighted to announce that Alli Hudson has been appointed as the new Director of Advancement at the College of the Arts. Her appointment in this role will begin on October 10, 2025.
As Director of Advancement, Alli will serve as the college's chief fundraiser. She will work alongside COTA leadership, alumni, donors, and friends to champion a philanthropy program that sustains meaningful strategic partnerships, supports and empowers our students, faculty and community, and advances the mission and impact of the College of the Arts and University of Florida Advancement.
“At the College of the Arts, creativity isn’t just celebrated—it’s the heartbeat of everything they do,” Alli said. “I’m honored to join this dynamic community that is shaping a future where the arts lead the way. I look forward to bringing my experience to a talented team that’s making a meaningful impact across disciplines, across campus, and beyond.”
Alli joins us from the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, where she has served as the Associate Director of Development since November 2023. Prior to that role, she was the museum’s Assistant Director of Development from November 2016 through October 2023. Before joining the Harn’s development team, Alli was the Fund Development Coordinator for Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Maryland.
The College of the Arts is proud to be joined by an accomplished leader who arrives at COTA with a sterling track record in philanthropy, and who demonstrates heartfelt dedication to cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, board members, University of Florida colleagues, and other key stakeholders.
Over nearly a decade at the Harn, Alli has led a wide range of fundraising initiatives—including major and planned gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and annual giving programs. Known for her integrity, warmth, and creativity, she has played a key role in advancing the museum’s philanthropic goals through strategic campaigns, donor engagement, stewardship, and collaborative projects across campus.
Alli is a proud alumna of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, where she earned her Master of Arts in Mass Communications, Public Relations, with distinction, in 2014. She is also a graduate of Catawba College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts, with honors, in 2012, and was a NCAA Division II Academic All-American on Catawba's softball team.
Alli will be joining us just in time to celebrate UF Homecoming, as well as the much-anticipated re-opening of the Constans Theatre at the School of Theatre + Dance’s Spotlight on RENT on October 19.
I am thrilled to have Alli joining our college and know she will be a fantastic addition. Alli’s experience with the arts and with the University of Florida will be a tremendous asset, and I look forward to seeing what she will accomplish as she takes on leadership of our wonderful advancement team and has the opportunity to get to know our broader community.
Jennifer Setlow
Interim Dean
College of the Arts
