ISU names finalists for VP of university advancement

Posted on April 28, 2015

By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – Illinois State University has named three finalists in its search for a vice president for University Advancement.

The finalists include one internal – Pat Vickerman – and two external – J. Lance Cavanaugh of the University of Arizona Foundation and Michael Johnson of Northwest Missouri State University.

“The three finalists bring a wealth of experience to the table and we look forward to meeting with them during their on-campus interviews,” said University President Larry Dietz in a news release. “The search committee has done an excellent job identifying these finalists from among a number of highly qualified applicants in a nationwide search.”

The campus community and members of the public will be able to learn more about the finalists during open forums on May 5, 6 and 7.

The forums will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. each day, in the following locations:

May 5: Cavanaugh – Old Main Room, Bone Student Center
May 6: Johnson – Old Main Room, Bone Student Center
May 7, Vickerman – Circus Room, Bone Student Center

Cavanaugh is vice president for development with the University of Arizona Foundation. He serves on the foundation’s executive management team and provides leadership to the foundation’s national outreach initiative. Prior to his time at Arizona, he served as vice president for development and college relations at Monmouth College.

Johnson is the vice president for university advancement at NMSU. In his position, he leads the Northwest Foundation, Inc. and the university’s advancement, alumni relations and development teams. Prior to Northwest Missouri State, Johnson was vice president for development and campaign director of the University of Northern Colorado Foundation.

Vickerman is interim vice president for University Advancement at Illinois State. He leads the ISU Foundation, Alumni Relations, Annual Giving, Development, Donor and Information Services and University Marketing and Communications. His previous experience includes senior associate vice president for University Advancement at Illinois State and vice president for advancement at Bradley University.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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