Tom Wamsley named senior vice president for advancement
Virginia Tech President Tim Sands has named Tom Wamsley as the university’s next senior vice president for advancement.
Wamsley currently serves as vice chancellor for advancement at the University of Illinois Chicago and senior vice president at the University of Illinois Foundation. He led the university’s most ambitious fundraising campaign, exceeding a $750 million goal by more than $50 million, and securing the largest individual gifts in the university’s history.
Sands, who launched the Advancement Division in 2015 to set the stage for the university’s Boundless Impact campaign, called Wamsley a dynamic leader who can build on Virginia Tech’s record of outstanding performance and achievement by developing and deepening relationships with a growing national community of alumni, partners, donors, and friends.
“Tom is the right person to elevate Virginia Tech’s modern land-grant mission and the expanding impact of our innovation network,” Sands said. “We’re excited to have him join us in our mission to make a difference for the people and communities we serve.”
Wamsley was selected through a national search chaired by Julie Ross, the Paul and Dorthea Torgersen Dean of Engineering and special advisor to the president.
“Tom’s depth of experience, record-setting achievements, and ability to cultivate strong relationships within a university community set him apart,” Ross said. “We look forward to working with him to further advance Virginia Tech’s strength and impact.”
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to serve Virginia Tech and Hokie Nation in growing its reputation as a national leader in public education,” said Wamsley. “The advancement program is among the best in the country thanks to the leadership of Charlie Phlegar and the amazing team he has built. I’m looking forward to partnering with President Sands, academic leadership, and the most passionate alumni base in the country to achieve continued levels of success."
Prior to joining the University of Illinois Chicago, Wamsley served as chief development officer for the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and held development and advancement positions at Wright State University, Antioch College, and the University of Dayton.
Wamsley will join Virginia Tech on Aug. 18, replacing Phlegar who is retiring after serving as the Advancement Division’s inaugural leader for a decade.
“Tom is well known as a strategic leader who can cultivate significant support from a broad range of constituencies,” Phlegar said. “He’s a great addition to Hokie Nation and will provide our Advancement team with the support and guidance needed to accelerate our vision for the future.”
Wamsley received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Ohio University and an MBA from Wright State University.
