Vice President for Advancement and President & CEO of the Ohio

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

Leadership Profile

May 2024

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

Executive Summary

Ohio University, the first public university in Ohio and the nation's first land-grant university, has been recognized

for its long-standing commitment to student success and the value of the education it delivers. The University has

strong forward momentum, having been designated a "Very High Research Activity" doctoral institution in 2022 by

the Carnegie Classification (the highest rating for research-focused universities) and experiencing overall success

in its teaching, research, and service missions. As OHIO builds on this track record and invests in future

opportunities for its students, the University seeks a Vice President for Advancement and President and CEO of

the Ohio University Foundation (VPA/CEO) to lead its development and alumni relations operations.

Founded in 1804 and welcoming its first class in 1808, Ohio University is a storied institution with an 1,850-acre

main campus, eight regional campuses and satellite learning centers, and a long history of educating a diverse

array of students from across the US and around the world. Currently enrolling more than 28,000 students, it also

boasts nearly 300,000 living alumni. In addition to its new Carnegie Classification, OHIO welcomed its 23

President Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez in 2023. President Gonzalez's vision is to reinforce the University’s

dedication to its core mission and prepare OHIO for a bright future. An indication of that bright future is the fact

that OHIO has countered a national trend with record enrollment the past two years. To ensure its long-term

success, OHIO is currently in the planning stages of a comprehensive campaign, which will build on the

momentum of the last comprehensive campaign which concluded in 2015 having raised more than $500 million in

philanthropic gifts.

Reporting directly to President Gonzalez, the new VPA/CEO will have the opportunity to shape this campaign

effort, enlist leadership, and guide it from planning through execution. Leading a team of more than 80, the

VPA/CEO will also enable new and substantially increased levels of advancement activity and partner closely with

the University’s deans and other leaders. In addition to the University role of Vice President for Advancement, this

individual also serves concurrently as the President and CEO of the Ohio University Foundation, supervising the

management of the University’s philanthropic assets and serving as chief steward of donor intent.

The successful VPA/CEO candidate will be an experienced fundraiser adept at navigating complex environments

and assuming a leadership role in a comprehensive campaign. This executive will understand and commit to an

integrated approach to external relations that embraces the efforts of multiple advancement disciplines and the full

range of campus constituents, especially the University’s deans and other unit leaders. The VPA/CEO will

resonate with and model the University’s core values of learning and scholarship, individualized attention, shared

governance, diversity, integrity, and civic engagement as well as the Ohio University Foundation's core principals,

mission, and charter. At least 10 years of progressively responsible managerial experience in development is

required, as is a bachelor’s degree (with an advanced degree preferred). The VPA/CEO will demonstrate a

superior ability to build sincere, lasting, and productive relationships both internally and externally; will work

collaboratively within a culture of shared governance; will demonstrate exceptional leadership skills; and will

possess superior communications skills.

For information regarding how to express an interest in this position or to make a nomination, please see the

section entitled “Procedure for Candidacy” at the end of this document.

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

Role of the Vice President for Advancement

The Vice President for Advancement and President and CEO of the Ohio University Foundation (VPA/CEO)

serves as a senior executive leader for Ohio University, guiding and overseeing University Advancement and

administering the Ohio University Foundation. This position is responsible for securing and stewarding

partnerships that advance the University’s mission through philanthropic investment. The VPA/CEO reports

directly to the President of Ohio University and works closely with the President and other University leaders to

plan for and execute engagement and philanthropic strategies to broaden and deepen support. The VPA/CEO is

a trusted advisor to the President and works to optimize presidential engagement with external constituencies and

to secure transformative gifts.

The VPA/CEO is a member of the University President’s executive leadership team and works closely with other

members to implement the President’s vision. Additionally, the VPA/CEO provides counsel, support, and advice to

the University leadership team regarding philanthropic initiatives, including nurturing longstanding relationships,

identifying emerging gift and grant opportunities, and exploring new partnerships. This position also collaborates

with the full range of University stakeholders – college deans, additional academic leaders, Ohio Athletics staff,

and others – to identify institutional needs, align them with strategic priorities, and solicit external funding to

address them.

In addition to serving as CEO of the Ohio University Foundation, the VPA/CEO serves as an ex-officio voting

member of the Foundation's Board of Trustees. The Foundation is an affiliated entity of Ohio University, and the

VPA/CEO works closely with the Foundation Board in its operation. The VPA/CEO helps ensure that

endowments, gifts, and gift agreements are processed and managed consistent with donor intent and according

to applicable policies, laws, and professional standards.

The VPA/CEO is responsible for organizing a robust fundraising structure that is adequately supported,

appropriately staffed, and regularly evaluated against set goals and metrics. The VPA/CEO develops and

maintains annual strategic fundraising plans aligned with the University’s strategic objectives. The VPA/CEO also

fosters strategic alumni engagement that enriches the student experience and strengthens the University

community. Central to this position’s responsibilities is the leadership of a responsive, resilient, and talented

advancement team that demonstrates best practices in philanthropy, ambition in seeking and securing support for

the University, and commitment to stewardship. Consequently, this role is responsible for developing an

advancement function that is prepared to engage in a comprehensive campaign and is highly proficient across all

areas of advancement.

This position also maintains a highly

visible public profile locally, regionally,

nationally, and within the profession to

represent the University’s mission and

vision as well as the importance of

investing in public higher education.

Serving as a pivotal spokesperson, this

role plays a crucial part in articulating

the rich history and traditions of our

esteemed public University, renowned

for its immersive student experience

and longstanding dedication to the

Appalachian region.

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

▪ Serve as a trusted advisor to the University President providing advice on issues and opportunities related to

support for public higher education, Ohio University, and the associated opportunities and challenges.

▪ Support and engage the University President in high-level, principal gift fundraising, and provide staffing

support on presidential fundraising to ensure the President’s time is used effectively and to secure important

and transformative gifts.

▪ Serve as chief administrative officer of the Ohio University Foundation, closely collaborating with the

Foundation’s Board of Trustees and its leadership structure to uphold the University’s mission and manage

assets held and invested by the Foundation effectively to insure long-term growth.

▪ Serve as a member of the University President’s leadership team developing collaborative working

relationships with other members, as well as with deans, faculty, coaches, unit heads, and other University

leadership, whose cooperation and participation are essential to effective philanthropy and relationship

management.

▪ Create an environment of collaboration across the University to achieve individual unit goals and collective

institutional objectives.

▪ Work with senior-level advancement staff to develop and implement annual, short-term, and long-term

philanthropic goals for the University and the Foundation.

▪ Develop, organize, lead, and supervise all University Advancement functions and operations, providing a clear

vision for programs and services and inspire performance and engagement in the advancement team.

▪ Lead successful comprehensive campaigns in support of the University’s strategic and dynamic initiatives and

aspirational vision.

Philanthropy

▪ Develop and maintain a principal gift portfolio of high-net-worth individuals to secure principal and

transformative gifts and grants and provide consistent high-touch stewardship.

▪ Serve as a clear and effective advocate for strategic engagement and philanthropy with the Ohio University

Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board of Trustees, the Alumni Association Board of Directors, college

advisory boards, alumni, and the Athens, Ohio, US, and international communities.

▪ Collaborate, develop, and successfully achieve University and Foundation goals.

▪ Ensure the implementation and maintenance of appropriate donor, alumni, and data management systems

and support structures to manage the data effectively and to support fundraising, stewardship, and alumni

engagement activities.

▪ Develop and execute fundraising plans and strategies that employ best practices across all areas of

philanthropy and embrace innovation and forward-thinking approaches, ensuring an effective and responsive

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

program. Support donor identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

▪ Establish and maintain effective systems to support targeted and comprehensive campaigns, including

collaboration with external consultants, development of case statements and strategies, and execution of

campaign plans.

▪ Advocate for a culture of philanthropy across the University system guiding students, faculty, staff, alumni,

donors, and administrators toward meaningful and transformative philanthropic participation and partnerships.

Work closely with University and Foundation leadership to establish philanthropic priorities and goals, and to

monitor and communicate progress toward these objectives.

Management

▪ Manage senior-level advancement staff responsible for all aspects of advancement and alumni association

activities, including but not limited to annual, major, and planned giving; corporate and industry partnerships;

foundation relations and partnerships; alumni relations; giving societies and programs; campaign development

and implementation; and advancement services.

▪ Supervise senior-level advancement staff and overall advancement team in implementing programs and

strategies aimed at developing and deepening alumni connections through effective and consistent

communication, experiential, and volunteer practices and the application of analytics.

▪ Guide the University’s advancement programs to meet or exceed annual, short-term, and long-term

philanthropic goals. Recruit, train, inspire, and guide an advancement team that is responsive,

knowledgeable, visible, and goal-oriented in achieving ambitious philanthropic outcomes.

▪ Be responsible for the operational budgets of University Advancement and the Ohio University Foundation.

Collaborate with senior-level staff to plan, implement, monitor, and provide timely updates to University

leadership, the Foundation Board of Trustees, Advancement staff, and the University community when

necessary.

▪ Ensure that endowments, gifts, and gift agreements are processed and managed consistent with donor intent

and according to applicable policies, laws, and professional standards.

▪ Ensure effective and ethical management of Foundation operations and assets in accordance with University

policies, Foundation policies and its Code of Regulations, legal guidance, and principles of fiscal

responsibility.

▪ Develop and maintain effective policies and practices for Advancement and Foundation operations, activities,

and functions.

Engagement

▪ Maintain a highly visible profile in the local community, including the non-profit and business communities, and

actively participate in professional organizations representing Ohio University and University leadership.

▪ Provide and ensure effective, consistent, and frequent communication with the University President and

leadership, the Foundation Board of Trustees, the Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Advancement

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

team, and the University community. Share philanthropic activities, opportunities for participation and support,

and information about specific initiatives and campaigns.

▪ Serve as an effective and clear advocate for the University and public higher education locally, throughout

Ohio, nationally, and internationally. Work closely with local leaders, religious and other organizations,

businesses, corporations, and non-profit organizations to forge partnerships and collaborations.

▪ Provide oversight and leadership to the Ohio University Foundation, working in partnership with the chair of

the Foundation, Executive Committee, committee chairs, and members.

▪ Work directly with the Foundation Board of Trustees' leadership and membership to communicate University

priorities and initiatives, Advancement activities, Foundation operations, donor intentions, philanthropic

opportunities, and investment strategies or opportunities in support of the University’s mission.

▪ Maintain consistent and effective engagement with key donors to ensure donor intentions are met and that

relationships are being effectively and appropriately stewarded and honored.

▪ Foster effective and productive engagement with University leadership to support academic, administrative,

athletic, student, faculty, and other institutional support needs and priorities.

▪ Support the development of programs and strategies to consistently enhance engagement with University

alumni through events, activities, and effective and planned communication and outreach.

▪ Establish and nurture effective relationships with key partner institutions to foster collaboration and mutual

support.

▪ Provide leadership and support of the Ohio University Alumni Association to cultivate robust alumni

relationships and guide initiatives to engage graduates, facilitate networking opportunities, and advance the

University’s mission and objectives.

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership

Ohio University is at an exciting inflection point in its history. With the University's reputation and stature

continuing to grow, OHIO is poised to continue raising its profile and increasing its impact. A good example of this

evolution was the University's 2022 designation as a top-tier "Very High Research Activity" institution according to

the Carnegie Classification, which further cemented OHIO's position on the national stage. In addition, OHIO has

countered a national trend with record enrollment the past two years. Building on this success and others, OHIO

has the opportunity to significantly expand its advancement footprint, offering the next VPA/CEO the opportunity

to be a part of a remarkable story of excellence and growth going forward. To take advantage of these

circumstances, the next Ohio University VPA and CEO of the Ohio University Foundation will undertake the

following:

Develop a Comprehensive and Innovative Advancement Plan

Ohio University has been the beneficiary of extraordinary philanthropic generosity, especially since the year 2008.

During that time, the University successfully completed a $500 million comprehensive campaign and received

three of the largest gift commitments in the history of higher education in Ohio totaling more than $300 million.

The incoming VPA/CEO is in the unique and enviable position of building on that past success and the passionate

enthusiasm shown by the University's alumni base while also raising the sights of an entire advancement

program. The new leader will arrive at the beginning stages of a new campaign with a feasibility study and an

overall assessment in hand from national consultants Washburn and McGoldrick and will have the chance to lift a

program with great potential. There will be challenges: a relatively low alumni participation rate, possible donor

fatigue among the University's most stalwart supporters, an uncertain economy, evolving student demographics,

and the continual demands placed on any high-profile public university. But the next VPA/CEO will have the

extraordinary chance to work with a new and exciting president, a committed cabinet and university leadership

council, and alumni supporters who deeply believe in OHIO's mission to realize a new vision for philanthropy at

the University.

Develop and Execute the Current Comprehensive Campaign

As mentioned above, OHIO is in the counting and preparation stage for a comprehensive, University-wide

campaign. While there is a feeling of urgency about launching a new campaign (the last one ended in 2015), the

new VPA/CEO will influence the direction and structure of the upcoming campaign and its goals. OHIO has strong

prospects and tremendous potential that have yet to be fully realized, and the next VPA/CEO will have the chance

to execute the campaign with a clear roadmap for success that intertwines with the overall advancement plan. In

addition, the campaign provides the perfect opportunity to identify, formulate, and then communicate the very

compelling stories generated by stakeholders across campus as they pursue the multiple missions of the

university.

Strengthen Alumni Relationships and Connectivity

Ohio University has an extraordinarily long history as an institution and has nearly 300,000 living alumni. Alumni

passion for and dedication to the University, its mission, and its traditions is evident in virtually every conversation

a newcomer has with individuals and groups associated with OHIO. Alumni giving, however, does not necessarily

reflect this enthusiasm. In addition, alumni at all stages of their relationship with the campus indicated that they

would like to find ways to deepen their involvement with an institution they love. The next VPA/CEO should

demonstrate an ability to identify connection points across a diverse alumni base spanning many generations.

Specifically, the selected candidate must demonstrate leadership in alumni affairs and work closely with the Ohio

University Alumni Association and the alumni relations team to ensure a more comprehensive level of

engagement with alumni through programming and communications that leads to more generous levels of

philanthropic support.

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

Assess the Ohio University Advancement Team and Organizational Structure

The Ohio University Advancement team is hard-working and dedicated, appreciates strong and supportive

leadership, and is eager to move forward with a new vision and strategy. In this transition, the next VPA/CEO will

have the opportunity to assess the team overall and its organizational structure to ensure that people and

resources are optimally deployed and that their OHIO colleagues are appropriately supported. Especially given

the clear growth potential of Ohio University philanthropy and the need for continued emphasis on principal and

transformational gifts, a comprehensive evaluation of the organizational chart and deployed resources will be

necessary. This important work will ultimately leave OHIO better positioned to take advantage of the many

opportunities and strengths offered by the University and its component units.

Expand the Ohio University Donor Pool

Critical to the success of the campaign, as well as future advancement success, will be the expansion of the

donor pipeline. Ohio University is located in an economically challenged region, presenting real barriers to the

development of relationships with corporations or deep-pocketed regional philanthropists dedicated to Athens and

Southeastern Ohio. As part of a future advancement plan, however, it is essential to identify new prospects to

qualify and cultivate. One essential element will be an expanded corporate and foundation relations strategy

exploring the largest employers of OHIO alumni, national and regional foundations supportive of the University's

mission, and other philanthropists. Another area of growth that numerous OHIO stakeholders identified was the

need for a more aggressive and targeted principal gift strategy. The relationships built with transformative gift

donors have yielded tremendous success over the past two decades. Building on this tradition, the next VPA/CEO

must now build out a wider donor base with a particular emphasis on principal gift donors moving forward. Central

to this effort will be identifying alumni and non-alumni who can meaningfully engage in OHIO's mission while

developing individual approaches that maximize principal gift potential.

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities

In its next Vice President for Advancement and President and CEO of the Ohio University Foundation, OHIO

seeks a visionary, collaborative, and strategic leader who models inclusion, integrity, civility, and transparency.

The VPA/CEO must maintain the highest level of ethical and principled leadership in overseeing and managing

University Advancement and administering the Foundation’s business. In addition, the VPA/CEO is expected to

possess a deep understanding of, and actively champion, initiatives aimed at enriching the student experience

and fostering student success. The successful candidate should also have the following professional qualifications

and personal characteristics:

▪ Ten (10) years of successful leadership experience in advancement with increasing responsibility, preferably

within public higher education.

▪ Experience working directly with a university President on the implementation of high-level philanthropic or

university initiatives.

▪ Experience working with affiliated and separately incorporated university foundations, including endowment

and investment management, as well as volunteer engagement.

▪ Experience managing a principal gift portfolio and securing transformative gifts and/or grants.

▪ Experience building and/or maintaining highly functional advancement teams and support structures, including

supervising, and managing senior staff, and recruiting and retaining diverse and experienced talent.

▪ Significant leadership experience in planning, developing, and implementing successful comprehensive and

targeted capital campaigns.

▪ Experience maintaining a highly visible public profile, speaking on campus and in the community to

communicate philanthropic opportunities or advocate for advancement activities and public higher education

support.

▪ Experience working with university leadership – including university trustees, foundation boards, campaign

committees, vice presidents, and deans – as well as students, faculty, and staff.

▪ Experience with building and maintaining partnerships with external entities and constituents.

▪ A bachelor's degree is required, and a master's degree in a related field is preferred. An equivalent

combination of education and work experience may be considered as appropriate background.

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

About Ohio University

Overview

As the oldest public university in the state, Ohio University has long been a regional and state — and now, even

online — leader in preparing students for successful careers. Ohio University's total enrollment is over 28,000

students across the state and online to include almost 1,000 international students from 102 countries. About

20,000 of OHIO's students are studying at the residential campus in Athens – a quintessential college town that is

nestled deep in the Appalachian foothills of beautiful Southeast Ohio.

Founded in 1804 and guided by world-class faculty members, Ohio University is home to more than 250

academic programs in a long list of fields across business, communications, healthcare, social sciences, the arts,

and STEM. The University's focus is ensuring student success through access to real industry and research

experiences at an affordable cost, which is why Ohio University is ranked the No. 1 Best Value public university in

the state of Ohio, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The University’s success in developing student potential owes to the richness of student-faculty engagement and

the synergistic relationships between the exceptional undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The

University brings its partnerships and the knowledge that it generates from research and scholarly activity into

classrooms, learning communities, centers of excellence, guided research, artistic endeavors, and experiential

academic opportunities.

The main campus of Ohio University is based in Athens, Ohio, with five regional campuses (Chillicothe, Eastern,

Lancaster, Southern, and Zanesville), additional extension campuses in Dublin and Cleveland, and extensive

competitive online programs. OHIO has 12 colleges, offering over 250 academic programs and over 130 master’s

and 35 doctoral programs. In addition, OHIO offers more than 50 online programs, including certificates,

associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The University has an enrollment of more than 28,000 students,

1,000 of whom are international, representing over 100 different countries. Approximately 17,200 are pursuing

programs through the Athens campus, more than 3,750 are served by the regional campuses, approximately

5,700 students are in fully online programs, and nearly 1,000 are medical students in the Heritage College of

Osteopathic Medicine.

OHIO students and alumni strive to make a difference in the world. Ohio University students consistently receive

nationally competitive awards, such as the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, with 202 recipients since the

program's inception in 1946. For six consecutive years, Ohio University has been awarded the Higher Education

Excellence in Diversity award.

OHIO is uniquely positioned to provide a variety of services and programs

to the southeastern Ohio Appalachian region. The University consistently

ranks among the nation’s highest-performing public universities in actual

versus predicted graduation rate, reflecting the remarkable depth and

breadth of student-faculty engagement. Because of the level of the

faculty’s commitment to student success, OHIO’s graduate and

undergraduate programs, regional education, and outreach initiatives make

substantial contributions to the furtherance of civic engagement and

service in the realms of communication, the environment, technology,

health and wellness, fine arts, and the liberal arts and sciences.

For more information about OHIO, please see the University’s Office of

Institutional Research Factbook, the Budget Book in the Office of Finance,

or visit www.ohio.edu.

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

Mission and Vision

Ohio University's mission and vision statements encapsulate the University's purpose and goals. They also play

an important role in defining the ties that link all members of our University community.

Mission Statement

To hold the door open to higher education so that all those eager to solve humanity’s most urgent challenges

might enter to learn, connecting them with experiences and discovery that will help make them think critically, care

deeply, lead boldly, and ultimately depart to serve.

Vision Statement

To deliver the most valuable university education in Ohio, and lead as one of the most valued public universities in

the nation.

Academics

Ohio University’s degree-granting colleges serve as the home of academic departments, schools, and centers

that deliver diverse programs, degrees, and majors. Each college has a unique community and culture that

supports each student’s specific personal, academic, and professional goals.

Colleges

▪ College of Arts and Sciences

▪ College of Business

▪ College of Fine Arts

▪ Graduate College

▪ College of Health Sciences and Professions

▪ Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

▪ Honors Tutorial College

▪ The Patton College of Education

▪ Russ College of Engineering and Technology

▪ Scripps College of Communication

▪ University College

▪ Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

About the Division of University Advancement

The Division of University Advancement tells Ohio University's story and champions its mission and vision across

the region, state, nation, and world. With the generous help of donors and alumni, the Division enriches University

life by building relationships and securing private support that transforms lives and makes excellence possible.

The Division is comprised of more than 80 staff members across all development disciplines, alumni relations,

and foundation management.

The Ohio University Foundation

Since 1859, the Ohio University Alumni Association (OUAA) has actively engaged alumni and friends with the

University – connecting grads to alma mater in support of students, faculty, staff, and programs. Established to

serve and engage alumni long after graduation, the Association offers a robust network for career development,

lifelong learning opportunities, and philanthropy. As a core pillar of the University's advancement efforts, the

Association functions with a dedicated alumni relations team headquartered on the Athens Campus in the

Konneker Alumni Center, working collaboratively with college-specific alumni networks to strengthen the Bobcat

community across the globe.

The OUAA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors ensuring strong alumni representation in its leadership.

It serves a vast network of nearly 300,000 passionate alumni worldwide, recognizing their achievements through

prestigious awards like the Medal of Merit, presented to those who excel in their chosen fields, and the

Distinguished Service Award, honoring alumni who give back significantly to the University.

The Ohio University Foundation

The Ohio University Foundation was established in 1945 by supporters of Ohio University including and

encouraged by then-President John C. Baker. The Foundation is an institutionally related, nonprofit, tax-exempt,

501(c)(3) organization, and is the repository for all private gifts to Ohio University through annual giving programs,

capital, and special campaigns, and planned or deferred gifts such as bequests and trusts. Contributions to the

Ohio University Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.

Private philanthropy has had a rich and dramatic impact on Ohio University from as early as 1816 when

Christopher and Daniel Herrold forgave the debt for the lumber used to build Cutler Hall, to several, more recent

capital campaigns. Gifts from generous donors have provided for scholarships and financial aid packages,

research and faculty development, capital expansion and renovations, technology upgrades and lab equipment,

library acquisitions, and vital unrestricted support that has allowed Ohio University to meet unexpected

challenges.

To view the list of the current members of Ohio University Foundation's Board of Trustees, please click here. To

see the University and the University Foundation’s annual financial reports, please click here.

The Sugar Bush Foundation

Since 2005, the Sugar Bush Foundation has funded partnerships between Ohio University and community

organizations that restore the environment, strengthen local food systems, and grow a resilient economy. Within

every project, OHIO students are engaged in the region and work on real problems. The Sugar Bush Foundation

is a supporting organization of The Ohio University Foundation.

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

The Ohio University Endowment

Ohio University's endowment is an aggregation of assets invested by the University to support its educational

mission, in perpetuity. An endowment allows donors to transfer their private dollars to public purposes with the

assurance that their gifts will serve these purposes for as long as the institution continues to exist.

Currently, the annual endowment distribution is equal to the product of a 5.7% spending rate and the

endowment's average market value for the trailing 36 months. The 5.7% spending rate is composed of a 4%

spending allocation and a 1.7% administrative fee. The spending allocation supports various initiatives, as

specified in the gift agreement. This includes, but is not limited to, scholarships and fellowships, chairs and

professorships, research activities, and general support of academic units. The administrative fee provides

general support for the institution's fundraising, alumni relations, and fund administration functions.

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

Leadership

President Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez

Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez, a seasoned academic leader who has committed

her career to public higher education, became Ohio University's 23rd

President on July 1, 2023, succeeding President Hugh Sherman.

Dr. Gonzalez comes to Ohio University from the University of Louisville,

where she served as executive vice president and university provost in

addition to interim president for more than a year during a presidential

transition. Prior to her time in Louisville, Dr. Gonzalez was the vice chancellor

of academic, faculty, and student affairs at the University of Tennessee

Health Science Center in Memphis. Her long career also includes serving as

the provost and executive vice chancellor at Appalachian State University

and dean of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Kentucky.

President Gonzalez holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University

of Florida and is an accomplished researcher and faculty member in her field. She also has professional

experience as a speech-language pathologist.

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

Athens, Ohio

What strikes most newcomers to Athens is the area’s dedication to cultivating community. Founded in 1797,

Athens was an important stop on the Underground Railroad, and the United Mine Workers of America started as a

gathering of coal miners in the area. A nationally recognized local food scene, a location near some of the state’s

best hiking trails and parks, a place in the Top 100 Art Communities in America, and a long history of campus and

city activism related to sustainability and social justice have all helped to establish Athens as one of today’s “50

Best College Towns to Live in Forever.” Annual local events like the Pawpaw Festival and the Nelsonville Music

Festival celebrate the area’s natural beauty and reputation for not only being a growing tourist destination but also

a family-friendly and safe place to live.

Ohio University

Vice President for Advancement and

President & CEO of the Ohio University Foundation

Procedure for Candidacy

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV

or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.

WittKieffer is assisting Ohio University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be

received by July 5.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Greg Duyck, Mercedes Vance, and Natalie Song

OhioUVPA@wittkieffer.com

Ohio University is committed to promoting and supporting a workplace and educational environment where healthy and

respectful conduct is the cultural norm. In support of this commitment, Ohio University prohibits discrimination on the basis of

race, color, religion, age, national origin, ethnicity, national ancestry, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression,

sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, military service, or veteran status, mental or physical disability, or

genetic information. Ohio University’s Equal Employment and Educational Opportunity Policy (40.001) and Sexual Harassment

and Other Sexual Misconduct Policy (03.004(opens in a new window)) detail prohibited conduct.

University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance (ECRC) supports this purpose by monitoring the educational environment and

workplace to stop, remediate, and prevent discrimination on the basis of protected status. We make policy recommendations,

offer training, and provide avenues for resolving grievances based on protected status.

Should any member of the campus community experience discrimination or harassment based on a protected class status,

including sexual harassment, other sexual misconduct, or retaliation due to a protected disclosure or activity, they are asked to

contact the Director of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX Coordinator. Further, reports may also be submitted for

violations of the University's policy on freedom of expression.