Boston University (BU) has just appointed Michelle Schiele as its new senior vice president for advancement. This decision came after an extensive search led by Lindauer. The university’s president, Melissa Gilliam, expressed enthusiasm for Schiele’s appointment, highlighting her proven track record in elevating top universities.
Schiele brings nearly 30 years of experience in alumni relations and philanthropy. Most recently, she excelled at Stanford University, where she was the deputy vice president of development and led a $1 billion campaign for Stanford Medicine, which ultimately raised $1.7 billion. Before Stanford, she was instrumental in advancement strategies at the University of Chicago.
Returning to BU, Schiele plans to engage the university’s global alumni network of over 400,000. She believes that maintaining strong alumni relationships is crucial. “A university is only as strong as its communities,” she stated. Her goal is to foster connections and encourage alumni to actively support BU’s mission.
BU has a rich history, having been founded in 1839 by Methodists. It is now one of Boston’s largest employers, with more than 34,000 students. The university offers a wide range of degrees through its diverse schools and colleges.
Lindauer, the firm that facilitated Schiele’s recruitment, specializes in finding leadership for educational institutions and non-profits. They have worked with various organizations, including the Boston YMCA and the University of Texas at Austin.
In the current landscape, alumni engagement is becoming increasingly important. A recent survey found that universities with strong alumni networks often see a 20% increase in donations, significantly impacting their funding and programs. This underscores the vital role leaders like Schiele play in building robust relationships within the academic community.
As Schiele takes on this important role, her extensive experience and vision for BU stand to greatly enhance the university’s future.
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