Dear Colleagues:
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Trabue as WKU’s new Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, effective June 17, 2019.
Amanda is currently the Associate Dean at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development, where she leads all aspects of the college’s fundraising programs. Before assuming this role, she served as Peabody’s Director of Development and Washington University’s Regional Director of Development after getting her start at WKU as Director of Development for the Gordon Ford College of Business and Coordinator and Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving.
Amanda’s 17 years of development and alumni relations experience will be valuable in her new role at WKU.
I would like to thank the search committee, chaired by Acting Provost Cheryl Stevens and Vice President for Enrollment and Student Experience Brian Kuster, for their time and good work during the selection process.
Additionally, I would also like to thank John Paul Blair for his service as Interim Vice President during the past two years. He has led the organization to its highest fundraising totals in the history of WKU and also managed through some of the more difficult budgetary challenges we’ve had in recent memory.
John Paul will transition to a new role as Special Assistant to the President for Philanthropy and Leadership Giving to ensure we continue to engage with our largest donors in a way that keeps them involved in the life of the institution. This also ensures a personal connection with those individuals who expect to receive necessary involvement from the President’s Office and supports our efforts to continue a record pace of fundraising. This position utilizes the relationships John Paul has built over 20 years with the University.
Please, join me in welcoming Amanda back to the Hill this summer and also in congratulating John Paul on his new role!
Best,
Timothy C. Caboni
