Dale Wright, currently the interim vice chancellor for advancement at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will become the permanent vice chancellor for advancement and senior vice president of the University of Illinois Foundation, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Until approved by the Board of Trustees, his title will be vice chancellor for advancement and senior vice president of the University of Illinois Foundation designate.
Wright, who is succeeding Barry Benson, takes the position on Feb. 16.
“Dale has a profound understanding of how fundraising impacts our ability to remain accessible, to remain affordable and to continue leading the way in shaping a better future for all; not just students, staff and faculty, but also everyone who looks to Illinois for better solutions,” said Chancellor Charles. L. Isbell, Jr. “We are excited to further strengthen our impact and expand opportunity under Dale’s leadership.”
Wright has over 25 years of experience in higher education, with roles at Illinois and the University of Missouri-Columbia. At Illinois, he served as interim vice chancellor for advancement, associate vice chancellor for advancement and associate dean of advancement in The Grainger College of Engineering. He led units responsible for nearly half of the With Illinois Campaign, securing $1.34 billion in gifts, including more than 20 gifts of $1 million or greater. Under his leadership at The Grainger College of Engineering, he surpassed a $550 million campaign goal two years early and secured a $100 million transformational naming gift.
He also supports the advancement field contributing through leadership roles and speaking engagements, including the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Commission on Philanthropy and as a CASE Laureate.
“Dale is an accomplished advancement professional who is among our industry’s most respected thought leaders. We are thrilled that he will continue his professional journey and good work as a senior member of our University of Illinois Advancement team,” said James H. Moore, Jr., president and CEO of the University of Illinois Foundation.
He earned a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in public management and a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies, both from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Editor’s note: For more information, contact Pat Wade, director of executive communications and issues management at pwade@illinois.edu.
