Calvert named WSU vp for advancement, foundation CEO

Lisa Calvert
Calvert

PULLMAN, Wash. – Lisa Calvert, a development and fundraising expert with more than 30 years of experience, has been named vice president for advancement at Washington State University and CEO of the WSU Foundation. She will start at WSU on Oct. 25.

She has served in a variety of executive development and fundraising positions during a career in higher education and the nonprofit sector.

Calvert will serve as WSU’s chief fundraising officer, leading efforts to build a comprehensive, integrated development and external engagement strategy that will maximize private support and investment. She will oversee the WSU Foundation and all development efforts statewide, as well as the WSU Alumni Association.

“Lisa joins us at an exciting moment in the university’s history,” said WSU President Kirk Schulz. “A vibrant culture of philanthropy is a critical component of WSU’s goal to be recognized as a top 25 public research university by 2030. Lisa’s leadership, experience and energy will help us strengthen the philanthropic partnerships essential for success in WSU’s Drive to 25 and to engage all of the Cougar Nation.”

Calvert is the vice chancellor for institutional advancement and chief operating officer of the foundation board for the Texas Tech University System. Her duties include leading the university’s institutional advancement efforts to create a comprehensive, innovative and best-practice program, including sustainable philanthropy and engagement.

The TTU System consists of four component institutions and operates at multiple campuses and academic sites across the state and globe. It includes Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Angelo State University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso.

From 2010 to 2013 Calvert led the strategic planning of a $2 billion comprehensive campaign effort as vice president for development at Purdue University. While at Purdue, she guided the university’s second and fourth highest fundraising years in its history. Prior to Purdue, she served as vice president for university relations at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., for seven years, and has served in a number of other development leadership roles, primarily in higher education.

“With a foundation of excellence in research, an outstanding student experience and an aspirational vision, Washington State University is poised to achieve new heights with the transformational investment and engagement of its alumni, friends and business partners,” Calvert said.

“I am excited to work with President Schulz, university leadership, WSU Foundation and Alumni Association volunteers, and the entire development and advancement team to create and lead the vision and strategies for the next campaign effort.”

Calvert earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics at Oklahoma State University. She also completed Harvard University’s Programs on Leadership for Senior Executives and the Executive Education for Strategic Business Leadership at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In 2011 Calvert was selected as one of 10 advancement officers featured in the first higher education national study for the book, “Making the Case for Leadership: Profiles of Chief Advancement Officers in Higher Education.”

She replaces Gil Picciotto who has served as interim vice president for advancement and CEO of the WSU Foundation since John Gardner announced his retirement in May.

Media contact:
Phil Weiler, vice president for marketing and communications, 509-335-4742, phil.weiler@wsu.edu