Illinois State University President Larry Dietz has announced the appointment of Pat Vickerman as vice president for University Advancement, effective immediately. Vickerman has served as the interim vice president since September of 2014.
“Pat Vickerman understands the vital importance of philanthropy as a means to continue our institution’s mission of excellence,” said Dietz. “Punctuating his extensive experience is a deep level of engagement with donors that has been a hallmark of his career.”
With more than 20 years of experience in higher education fundraising, Vickerman was the planned giving specialist in the University of Iowa’s first $1 billion campaign. He also served as campaign director for Iowa State University’s $867 million campaign and as vice president for Bradley University’s $163 million campaign.
Coming to Illinois State in 2013, Vickerman served as the senior associate vice president for University Advancement. He was responsible for the strategic development and implementation of Illinois State’s comprehensive campaign and its efforts to increase private fundraising support. He worked with University leadership and development staff to enhance giving, engage alumni, and raise the profile of the University. Vickerman also provided oversight for planned giving.
During his service as interim vice president, Vickerman led efforts in fundraising, annual giving, alumni relations, marketing and communications, and advancement operations. While ensuring all areas aligned with the University’s strategic plan, Educating Illinois, his leadership led to record fundraising productivity in the last fiscal year.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized as the next leader to help grow Illinois State’s philanthropic culture,” Vickerman said. “We have generated tremendous momentum, and I look forward to working with President Dietz, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to further advance the University’s mission and strategic direction.”
Vickerman is a member of the Multicultural Leadership Program Advisory Council, the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Chicago Council on Planned Giving. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Iowa.
