Update on Vice President for Advancement

May 5, 2023

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

I write you today to share the news that Vice President for Advancement Bill Johnson will be leaving the University for a new opportunity at his alma mater, the University of Nebraska. Bill’s final day at the University will be May 12.

Since his appointment in 2021, Bill’s leadership has helped contribute to the completion of several fundraising and alumni engagement initiatives related to the many aspects of our institutional mission, while setting the groundwork for the start of several more. Bill’s accessible and genuine leadership style and ability to build upon a base of alumni, friends and donors leaves us in a position of strength as we move forward. Bill is a great team player, and I will never forget Bill’s willingness to help the institution when, in addition to serving as Vice President for Advancement, he served for a short time as our Interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics as the fulltime position was filled.

With Bill’s departure, I have appointed Patricia Richard, Chief of Staff for the Office of the President, to serve as Interim Vice President for Advancement. Patricia will begin this interim role on May 15 and will remain in the position while a national search is conducted over the coming year for our next Vice President for Advancement. Once we have hired our new vice president, Patricia will return to her position as Chief of Staff.

Patricia has been with the University since 1996, playing a central role in University advancement activities from 1996-2006 when she worked closely with the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations and served as the Director of University of Events and Assistant Director of Alumni Relations. With her move to the Office of the President as President Milt Glick’s Chief of Staff in 2006, Patricia was involved with strategies, outreach and presentations associated with a number of substantial gifts to the University. Her work in development and donor relations continued while serving as Chief of Staff for President Marc Johnson.

Throughout her 27-year career at the University, Patricia has developed professional relationships with philanthropic supporters, University Foundation trustees and University alumni. Her institutional history provides insight into donor priorities and interests, and her experience with University Events and Alumni Relations provides a strong understanding of the different aspects of the division.

I want to wish Bill and his family the very best as they make the move back to his home state.

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President