UTA selects Marie Schultz as new VP for development and alumni relations
Marie E. Schultz will lead The University of Texas at Arlington in securing philanthropic resources as its new vice president for development and alumni relations, effective Nov. 14.
Schultz has spent the entirety of her 23-year career in the development office at the University of California, Riverside, where she most recently helped lead and close a successful $300 million comprehensive fundraising campaign that finished not only ahead of schedule but exceeded its goal by $12 million. She also led the university to its two highest fundraising years, increasing private philanthropic support to more than $42 million in 2021-22.
Schultz most recently served as executive vice president of the University of California, Riverside Foundation, and associate vice chancellor for development.
“Marie’s backstory is engaging: On her very first day as an undergraduate at UC Riverside, she took a job as a student worker in the development office,” UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. “Marie will lead our efforts to foster positive engagement opportunities with our alumni, friends and supporters to create a more vibrant and impactful Maverick community. The support of our alumni and the vitality of our continuing and future external relationships serve as the underpinnings of our future successes.”
She earned her MBA with a concentration in information technology from University of Redlands and has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from UC Riverside.
She has been in her current position since 2020. She previously served from 2014-20 as assistant vice chancellor for development and campaign director. After graduating, her career at UC Riverside began in 1999 as a development systems programmer and prospect manager.
“I am impressed by UTA’s commitment to student success and its track record of creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds to pursue higher education,” Schultz said. “I am ready and excited to lead and build advancement efforts at an institution whose mission is both compelling and inspiring.”
The co-chairs of the search committee were Salma Adem, vice president for planning and chief of staff, and Jeff Jeter, vice president for government relations. They said her extensive experience in leading development campaigns and creating sustainable annual fundraising production will help broaden the University’s base of philanthropic support.
“Marie knows how to build a productive and engaged team with diverse voices, strong relationships and decision-making that is driven by data and can help UTA continue its trajectory of growth and expansion,” Jeter said.
Adem called Schultz “an innovative leader" with proven success in campaign fundraising, board development and alumni engagement.
“We are looking forward to her leading UTA to unprecedented levels of stakeholder engagement and philanthropic success,” Adem said.