Case Western Reserve University names top national fundraiser as new vice president for development
Case lures native Clevelander J. Jeffrey Robison from Florida State University to assume position Sept. 19
August 23, 2005 | For more information: Laura M. Massie (216)-368-4442
J. Jeffrey Robison, president of the Florida State University (FSU) Foundation in Tallahassee, Fla., was named vice president of development at Case Western Reserve University today by President Edward M. Hundert, M.D. He assumes his new duties on September 19.
As vice president for development, Robison, a Cleveland native and graduate of Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, will lead Case's advancement program in development, fund-raising and campaign planning. Robison will serve as a member of President Hundert's senior staff.
"With his impressive experience leading campaigns at major universities, Jeff Robison will accelerate the momentum that has been building in our development program," Hundert said. "I look forward to working closely with him over the years ahead as we continue to raise the resources required to achieve Case's remarkable vision."
Case has seen its cash donations rise 25 percent in the last year. In fiscal year 2004-2005, the university's cash gifts increased to more than $87 million, up from $69 million last year. Cash donations from alumni increased more than 100 percent, up from $12.7 million in 2003-2004 to more than $29 million in 2004-2005.
"I am looking forward to coming back to my hometown of Cleveland, rolling up my sleeves and working to build on the growing successes in fundraising that Case has been experiencing so that we can continue to make great things happen for our faculty, students and alumni," Robison said.
Robison joined the FSU Foundation in 1994. Since that time, he has overseen fundraising of more than $870 million. During his tenure, FSU's development program, along with the FSU Foundation's Board, has experienced dramatic growth, increasing its endowment eight-fold from $50 million in 1994 to $443 million in 2005.
Under Robison's leadership, the FSU Foundation has gained stature in the higher education community, as reflected in the most recent rankings by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), where the value of FSU's endowment moved from a 1995 ranking of 256 to 121 last year.
Prior to joining Florida State, Robison managed Ohio University's "Third Century Campaign" as associate vice president for development and campaign manager. Under his leadership the campaign raised $132.7 million, exceeding its $100 million goal. It was during his time at OU that this program was awarded the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Circle of Excellence Award for fundraising.
"I'm very pleased to add Jeff Robison to Case's senior staff," Hundert said. "Over the last 30 years, Jeff has dedicated himself to higher education at five different universities. At each of those institutions, he dramatically raised the level of success in their fundraising efforts, thanks to his innovative thinking, dedication and leadership.
"Jeff built comprehensive fundraising programs at three universities and directed four campaigns with the amount of private funding totaling about $1.4 billion," Hundert continued. "He is just the person we need as we move forward in engaging our alumni, community and nation in the excitement building here at Case, and we are thrilled to welcome Jeff; his wife, Nancy Stepina-Robison; and their children back to Cleveland."
Robison holds a master's degree in education and bachelor's degree in science, both from Ohio University (OU). He also received All-America honorable mention and All Mid-American Conference honors as a member of OU's football team.
About Case Western Reserve University
Case is among the nation's leading research institutions. Founded in 1826
and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western
Reserve University, Case is distinguished by its strengths in education, research,
service, and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case offers nationally
recognized programs in the Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering,
Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, and Social Work. http://www.case.edu.
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