Division of University Advancement Strategic Plan

Ohio University’s Division of University Advancement supports and enhances the University’s mission by engaging alumni, friends, and partners in the life of the University and of our Bobcat Family. At our very core, Advancement connects joyful givers—of dollars, time, and expertise—to grateful recipients—students, faculty, staff, and the greater community. Our work is, and has long been, essential to the fabric of Ohio University. In fact, when the words to “Alma Mater, Ohio” were penned in 1915, the author closed the opening verse with this sentiment:

“And when there comes a day of parting, still firm and loyal we will stand.”

This steadfast loyalty has sustained Ohio University through good times and hard times. It has inspired four successful comprehensive campaigns that, taken together, have raised more than $875 million in support of OHIO’s students, faculty, programs, and places. It has brought Bobcats together in celebration of decades of Homecomings. It has led countless alumni experts into OHIO classrooms and inspired them to mentor fellow Bobcats. And it has connected thousands of alumni around the nation and the world for the greater good. This loyalty ensures that we are forever OHIO.

The Division of University Advancement will continue and sustain this essential work by being a steadfast partner to the University, its colleges, units, and campuses; by carefully stewarding University and Ohio University Foundation resources; by advancing the University through the meaningful, life-long engagement of alumni and friends; and by securing transformational philanthropic support.

In order to be successful in this work, the Division has built a multi-year strategic plan grounded in Ohio University’s Strategic Initiatives and Presidential Priorities. The priorities and goals outlined in this plan guide us as we work together to move Ohio University forever forward.

Ohio University's Mission

Ohio University holds as its central purpose the intellectual and personal development of its students. Distinguished by its rich history, diverse campus, international community, and beautiful Appalachian setting, Ohio University is known as well for its outstanding faculty of accomplished teachers whose research and creative activity advance knowledge across many disciplines. 

Ohio University's Vision

Ohio University will be the nation’s best transformative learning community where students realize their promise, faculty advance knowledge, staff achieve excellence, and alumni become global leaders.

Ohio University's Values

Ohio University community members take great pride in our institution. We are proud of our distinguished history and heritage, our beautiful campus, the renowned reputation of our faculty, our active and committed student body and of our partnerships with the southeast region of our state. Together with our five core values of character, community, citizenship, civility and commitment, this sense of pride defines who we are and helps to clarify the promise of what it means to be a member of the OHIO community.

Since 1859, the Ohio University Alumni Association (OUAA) has actively engaged alumni and friends with the University—connecting grads to alma mater in support of students, faculty, staff, and programs. For more than 160 years, generations of Bobcats have found their way back to OHIO’s brick pathways with the Association as their guide. In fact, the OUAA and its volunteer leaders championed the University’s first major fundraising campaign in the 1920s—securing funding to build Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. A strong legacy of giving was established when more than 2,000 alumni responded with gifts during the eight-year campaign.

Today, the Association, guided by its strategic plan, advances OHIO through meaningful, lifetime engagement with the University’s more than 267,000 living alumni.

The Ohio University Foundation was established in 1945 by supporters of Ohio University including and encouraged by then-President John C. Baker. The Foundation is the repository for all private gifts to Ohio University through annual giving programs, capital and special campaigns, and planned or deferred gifts such as bequests and trusts. Its mission since its founding more than 75 years ago:

“Philanthropy in service to education.”

To be sure, private philanthropy has had a rich and dramatic impact on Ohio University from as early as 1816 when Christopher and Daniel Herrold forgave the debt for the lumber used to build Cutler Hall; to the campaign to build Memorial Auditorium: to several, more recent capital campaigns. Generous donors have provided for scholarships and financial aid packages, research and faculty development, capital expansion and renovations, technology upgrades and lab equipment, library acquisitions, and vital unrestricted support that has allowed Ohio University to meet unexpected challenges.

Today, generous alumni and friends contribute an average of $44 million each year to OHIO, and we have more than $1 billion in assets under management.

The Division of University Advancement stands upon and builds out from this rich tradition of engagement and philanthropy. The Division comprises the Ohio University Alumni Association, the Office of Development, the Office of Advancement Services, Foundation Accounting, and The Ohio University Foundation and is responsible for alumni and constituent engagement and outreach; fundraising (including corporate engagement and foundation relations); and the
data and systems that support the critical and strategic engagement and fundraising that advances Ohio University and its mission.

Advancement's Mission

OHIO Advancement builds and strengthens relationships that inspire investment in Ohio University and its mission.

Advancement's Vision

Galvanizing OHIO’s passion into transformational and sustainable impact.

Advancement's Core Values

The Division has identified its core values as: trustworthy, collaborative, strategic, inclusive, transparent, and optimistic.