Dear Colleagues,  

We are pleased to announce Dale Wright as the vice chancellor for advancement at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and senior vice president of the University of Illinois Foundation. His appointment will be effective Feb. 16, pending approval by the Board of Trustees. His title, until officially approved, will be designate. 

Dale served as interim vice chancellor and previously was an associate vice chancellor for advancement, where he provides strategic leadership and mentorship to advancement officers, deans, and academic leaders across the campus.  

With over 25 years of experience in higher education and a proven record of delivering transformative results at major public universities, Dale’s strategic, data-informed approach ensures that philanthropic efforts are aligned with institutional priorities. He has led successful alumni engagement efforts, secured major and principal gifts, and contributed to three comprehensive capital campaigns exceeding $1 billion each. At Illinois, he has led units responsible for nearly half of the With Illinois Campaign, securing $1.34 billion in gifts, including more than 20 gifts of $1 million or greater. He also supports the advancement field contributing through leadership roles and speaking engagements, including the CASE Commission on Philanthropy and as a CASE Laureate. 

We are confident Dale will significantly contribute to the university’s long-term financial and strategic goals and hope you will join us in congratulating him in his permanent role at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois Foundation. 

Sincerely,  

Charles L. Isbell, Jr. 
Chancellor 
 
James H. Moore, Jr. 
President and CEO, U. of I. Foundation