Mennell Named Vice President of University Advancement
OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University’s Board of Trustees Executive Committee has approved the selection of Betsy Mennell as vice president of University Advancement.
In that role, Mennell will help build and deepen relationships on behalf of the university as she oversees Advancement Services, Alumni Relations, Development, Economic Development, Government Relations, Marketing & Communications and University Events.
“Dr. Mennell will bring excellent leadership, strong communication skills and advancement expertise to this critical position,” said Brad Mortensen, university president. “Relationships with alumni and the community help the university increase resources and support for initiatives that enhance student learning. I’m excited that Betsy will be joining our Weber State family.”
Currently, Mennell is the associate vice president of Principal Gifts and Special Projects at Regis University in Denver. She worked at Northern Arizona University (NAU) for 18 years, most recently as vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement and president of the NAU Foundation, where she directed the recently concluded $100 million comprehensive campaign.
“I am very excited to join Weber State University, where student success is clearly the driving force for all faculty and staff,” Mennell said. “Working with community and government leaders and alumni to enhance the mission and reputation of WSU is a wonderful opportunity. I also look forward to leading the university in its next comprehensive campaign.”
Mennell said she was interested in Weber State because of its outstanding reputation as a dual-mission university, serving a wide variety of students, from those seeking certificates and workforce training to those pursuing graduate degrees.
She has a special interest in enhancing opportunities for underserved populations. Mennell takes particular pride in programs created through philanthropy such, as the College Assistance Migrant Program at St. Edward’s University to provide financial support to children of migrant workers, and NAU’s Blavin Scholars program that provides financial and personal support to students who aged out of the foster care, and the First Scholars program that provides financial and other types of support to first-generation students.
During the selection process, Mennell said she was also drawn to the position because of the outdoor recreation opportunities in Northern Utah and the vibrant and diverse cultural life in Ogden. She plans to assume her new duties in early August.
Mennell earned her doctoral degree in educational administration from The University of Texas at Austin. She holds a master’s degree from St. Edward’s University (Austin, Texas) and a bachelor’s from Saint Mary’s College (Notre Dame, Indiana).
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
For a photo, visit the following link.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu- Contact:
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu