Western Colorado University Partners with AGB Search to Enhance Senior Leadership – Hunt Scanlon Media

On June 17, 2025, AGB Search, a recruitment firm based in Washington, D.C., was chosen by Western Colorado University (WCU) to help find a new vice president for advancement and executive director of the WCU Foundation. This role is vital as it will build on the success of the Elevate Western Campaign, which gained considerable support.

The new executive will report directly to the university president. Their main goal is to create and execute effective fundraising strategies. This includes annual fundraising, working with corporations and foundations, managing gifts, overseeing alumni relations, and leading donor stewardship efforts. They will also guide the foundation’s board and operations.

AGB Search highlighted that the ideal candidate should have a strong background in securing funds from various sources like individuals, foundations, and corporations. Leadership and management experience are crucial, especially within an advancement department or a similarly complex setting. Candidates must also demonstrate high ethical standards and excellent communication skills.

WCU, located in Gunnison, Colorado, serves around 3,000 undergraduate and 450 graduate students. About 25% of its students come from out of state. The university offers over 100 undergraduate programs and seven graduate degrees, with several options for accelerated study.

AGB Search was launched in 2010 by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. The firm focuses on filling leadership positions in higher education, including roles such as presidents, vice presidents, and deans.

Leading this search are Kimberly Templeton and Andrew Bowen, both experienced search consultants. Templeton has more than 25 years of experience in education and nonprofit sectors. Her background includes roles such as senior advancement leader and corporate attorney. She has successfully recruited presidents for institutions like the University of Nebraska and Ramapo College.

Andrew Bowen joined AGB Search in 2020 and brings valuable experience from various universities, focusing on leadership positions like president and provost. He has also worked on searches for positions at California State University and Yale University.

The search for the new vice president comes at a time when higher education is increasingly focused on innovative fundraising methods. According to a 2023 report by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), fundraising in higher education has seen a 12% increase compared to previous years, indicating a growing reliance on effective advancement strategies. This trend highlights the importance of securing strong leadership in advancement roles.

Social media discussions around university fundraising and leadership placements are also booming. Platforms like LinkedIn are filled with conversations about innovative approaches to engaging donors, showing how vital these roles are in today’s educational landscape.

Overall, the search for WCU’s new vice president is not just about filling a position but also about shaping the university’s future through strong leadership and effective fundraising.

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