I’m pleased to announce that our next vice president for university advancement will be … Brent Dunn.

In February when we began the search process for Brent’s replacement, the Foundation Board Executive Committee made it clear we needed to find a candidate who could continue the exceptionally high level of performance that Brent and his team have brought to the university. The huge success of the Onward/Upward campaign combined with Brent’s energy, connections and dedication to the university would drive the caliber of candidate we would be seeking.

As the search opened and candidates applied, it was clear, as with many of our searches, that filling the position with the same level of experience and expertise was going to be a challenge at the salary we could offer. Not to mention the loss of the vast contacts and relationships that would occur upon Brent’s departure.

Many members of the leadership team have retired or announced their retirements over the last 12 months. And as I’ve made clear in recent years, I too plan to retire in the next several years. As this change in leadership takes place, it didn’t seem like the right time for a major shift in our fundraising organization if we could avoid it.

After much consideration, I made the decision to offer Brent a retention incentive if he would postpone his retirement for five years. And as noted above, he accepted my offer.

Welcome back, Brent. I look forward to your continued leadership.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif