The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM) has named Alicia Besenyei as its assistant dean of advancement.

Guided by the school’s strategic priorities, Besenyei will manage VTCSOM’s advancement operation with the main goal of elevating philanthropic support from alumni, parents, faculty, and friends of the school.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Alicia’s skills and experience join our advancement team,” said Lee Learman, dean of the medical school. “Her track record in leading development, alumni relations, and communications programs shows she is a hard-working, results-oriented leader with a diverse skill set.”

Besenyei brings a strong background in advancement, marketing, and media relations to the position. Most recently, she was vice president for advancement at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. Under her leadership, the school saw an increase of 45 percent in annual funds in 2019-20 and funding of several major projects and scholarships.

“Dean Learman and I are extremely pleased to welcome Alicia on board,” said Dan Cleveland, assistant vice president for advancement. “Working closely with Virginia Tech’s central advancement office, she will develop and implement cultivation strategies that include building, managing, and soliciting a portfolio of major gift prospects.”

Besenyei earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from North Carolina State University and a master’s of science in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the team of professionals at Virginia Tech, specifically at the medical school,” she said. “Identifying and cultivating funding sources for our future medical community as well as promoting the school, its faculty and students, is top priority. Knowing the greater impact this will have is exciting, and I look forward to the challenge.”

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