AGB Search, a Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm, recently helped Western Colorado University find Shelley Thompson as its new vice president of advancement and executive director of the WCU Foundation. Kimberly Templeton and Andrew Bowen led this search. Western’s president, Brad Baca, expressed excitement about Thompson’s extensive experience in philanthropy, saying she’s skilled at building relationships and securing significant support for institutions.
Thompson previously worked as the associate vice president of university advancement at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she played a key role in raising $100 million. Her career also includes significant roles at Outward Bound USA and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
In her own words, Thompson believes that “good fundraising” occurs when donors and universities align their goals. “It’s about relationships,” she explains. She feels a strong connection to rural communities and looks forward to contributing to Western’s growth. Thompson noted that her admiration for a Western alumnus influenced her decision to join the university.
“Philanthropy makes education accessible,” she says. “Many donors are risk-takers eager to support innovation that could be impossible without private backing.” However, Thompson’s main focus will be to learn from her colleagues in her first year. She aims to listen to their needs and ideas to shape a mutual vision for the future.
Western Colorado University offers over 100 undergraduate programs and seven graduate programs, serving around 3,000 undergraduate and 450 graduate students, with a quarter coming from out of state. This commitment to diversity highlights the importance of effective fundraising.
Interestingly, a 2021 survey from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) showed that donations to educational institutions increased by 4.5% compared to the previous year, showcasing a growing trend in higher education philanthropy.
AGB Search, established in 2010 by the Association of Governing Boards, specializes in finding leaders for universities and colleges across the country. With experienced consultants like Templeton and Bowen, the firm continues to make significant contributions to higher education recruitment.
For more about AGB Search’s work, visit their official site: AGB Search.
