KINGSTON—March 25, 2025—The University of Rhode Island Foundation & Alumni Engagement (URIFAE) has announced the appointment of Mark Antonucci, Ed.D., as its new CEO and vice president for advancement. In this important role, Antonucci will support URI’s mission by managing the university’s endowment and driving philanthropic efforts for its 140,000 alumni.
Antonucci will join President Marc Parlange’s senior leadership team and work alongside key university figures to support URI’s strategic goals. He will also engage with the URIFAE Board of Directors and the URI Board of Trustees.
“We’re excited to have Mark join us,” said Parlange. “URI is now an R1 research institution and the top public university in New England. Our success is built on a strong foundation of alumni and supporters, and Mark will help us continue to build on that momentum.”
With a wealth of experience in public universities, Antonucci previously served as senior vice president for advancement and strategy at Rutgers University Foundation, where he significantly boosted annual fundraising efforts. At Arizona State University Foundation, he played a crucial role in tripling their annual fundraising and completing their first billion-dollar campaign.
“After a thorough search, we believe we’ve found the ideal leader for our next growth phase,” said Raymond M. Williams ’87, chair of the URIFAE Board. “URI has transformed recently, highlighted by a successful $300 million comprehensive campaign. We’re eager to keep that momentum going.”
The search committee included university leaders and board members, all committed to finding a leader who could elevate URI’s impact. Committee chair Williams highlighted the collaborative effort that led to this appointment.
“Seeing URI’s potential and recent achievements, I knew I wanted to be part of this community,” said Antonucci. “I’m eager to work with President Parlange, the URIFAE team, and our alumni and supporters to unlock more opportunities for the university.”
Antonucci, a Rhode Island native, earned a B.S. in marketing, cum laude, from Quinnipiac University, followed by an Ed.D. from Arizona State University. He has taught college courses, published work on philanthropy, and actively volunteered in his community.
Interestingly, many universities across the country face similar challenges and opportunities in fundraising. A 2022 survey by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education found that 62% of universities reported increased donations during the pandemic, indicating a shift in alumni engagement. This trend underscores the importance of effective leadership in advancing institutional goals.
As Antonucci steps into his new role, his experience and understanding of higher education dynamics will be vital in further strengthening URI’s community ties and enhancing its fundraising strategies.
Check out this related article: Unpacking the New ‘Red Scare’ at the University of Michigan: What You Need to Know
Source link