YOUNGSTOWN — A Youngstown-based community art school, Students Motivated by the Arts , has hired Abbie Twyford Wilson as assistant director.

Wilson, who has 11 years of experience in higher education, comes over from the recently dissolved Eastern Gateway Community College, where she was director of student activities, according to a press release.

In the new role, Wilson will plan and execute fundraising events as well as track, prepare and write grants for SMARTS. Also, she will support programming and organizational development with the program’s managers and work with community partners.

“I am excited to use my skills in new ways and remain connected to downtown Youngstown through SMARTS,” Wilson, a graduate of Youngstown State University, said in the release.