Radford University selects associate vice president for University Advancement
Radford University announces that Tom Lillard '79 has been selected to fill the vacant position of associate vice president for University Advancement, beginning January 17, 2017. An alumnus of Radford University, Lillard brings nearly three decades of advancement and alumni relations experience in higher education to this integral position in the University’s Advancement office. The position for which Lillard was selected was previously designated as assistant vice president for University Advancement prior to its vacancy.
Lillard will focus on leading Radford University’s Advancement team to enhance future fundraising success. He will bring to Radford University his vast fundraising knowledge and experience to build alliances, improve processes and establish fundraising goals to further the University’s transformation into an innovative, premier university in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond with a keen focus on teaching, research and service.
"During the search process to fill this vacant position, we met many highly qualified candidates," said Robert Lineburg, director of athletics and chair of the search committee. "Tom stood out as an outstanding fundraiser and true believer in Radford University and its mission. He understands the financial challenges that institutions of higher education currently face and how important private support is to creating opportunities for our students to achieve their goal of a Radford University education," said Lineburg.
"Throughout his career, Tom Lillard has been instrumental in building relationships, creating processes that lead to success and being creative in the implementation of new ideas to best support his organization and its mission. I am positive that Tom will be a key addition to help lead the Advancement team to even greater success in the future," said Melissa Wohlstein, vice president for University Advancement.
"We are pleased to welcome Tom Lillard to his new role as Radford University’s associate vice president for University Advancement. Tom is one of the most passionate alumni members in our Highlander family and truly cares for our University and its students. He is an accomplished development professional who will fill this important position and help Radford University build upon its fundraising success," said President Brian O. Hemphill.
Most recently, Lillard served as regional director major gifts at Virginia Tech since 2008. He worked closely with college and university program development officers and senior administration to manage a portfolio of prospects and secure major gifts from private sources in support of current operations, endowment and other programs.
"I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to return to Radford University. It is a special place that holds wonderful memories for me and my family," said Lillard. "Over the last several months, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Dr. Hemphill and learning more of the wonderful vision he has for Radford University. I am excited that his vision and goals for our university have been embraced by our alumni, students and the community. I could not be happier to return home and be a part of moving Radford University forward," said Lillard.
As a fundraising and alumni relations professional, he served at Radford University 1989-2008 in a number of advancement and alumni relations capacities, including as the director of athletic development. In this role, he directed and implemented a comprehensive campaign to solicit and secure capital campaign gifts for athletics. He also served the University as the director of the annual fund in which he planned, directed and implemented a comprehensive annual fund campaign to solicit financial support from alumni, faculty, staff, friends, businesses and parents and implemented new strategies to increase annual giving. He also served at Radford University as assistant director of alumni affairs.
A member of Radford University’s inaugural men's soccer team, Lillard served as assistant and then head coach for six seasons (1980-85). Instrumental in the men's program's transition to NCAA Division I, he was also pivotal in the formation of women's soccer in 1981, serving as its first head coach. In 2014, Lillard was inducted into Radford University’s Athletics Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.
Lillard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from Radford University.