After a national search, Daniel E. Montplaisir has been selected as the new vice president for the Division of University Advancement. He begins March 2.
"I am pleased to welcome Dan to lead our University Advancement team. I am impressed by his commitment to increase philanthropic support for our students and programs while advancing community engagement that will enhance our campus visibility," says university President Soraya M. Coley. "Dan's experience and leadership will elevate Cal Poly Pomona, especially as we implement a new strategic vision for the campus."
Montplaisir, who most recently served as the assistant vice chancellor for development at UC Irvine, has extensive experience in fundraising, comprehensive campaigns, strategic planning and leadership in higher education.
"I am energized by the challenges and opportunities of working for an outstanding polytechnic university whose alumni, faculty, staff and students are making significant contributions to California and the nation's culture, economy and industry," he says.
At UC Irvine, Montplaisir led the central development team during its $1 billion campaign, the largest ever for an organization in Orange County. He also managed planned giving, foundation relations, development communications, as well as launched an online crowdfunding platform to promote student philanthropy.
Prior to his time at UC Irvine, he was at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, as the vice president for institutional advancement. Supervising three campuses, he worked with the university leadership to complete the first campaign that raised more than $65 million.
Mr. Montplaisir holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida and a master's in management from Indiana Wesleyan University.
President Coley extends her appreciation to Interim Vice President Theresa Mendoza for her service to the campus. Mendoza will return to her role full-time in the CSU Chancellor's Office.
"Tere has provided outstanding leadership and counsel to the division and throughout the search process," Coley says. "On behalf of the entire university community, I am deeply grateful for her thoughtfulness and guidance during this interim period."
President Coley extends her thanks to the members of the search committee and Alumni Association board members who participated in the process.
Search committee members included: Theresa Mendoza (chair), Sylvia Alva, Suketu Bhavsar, Carrie Geurts, Michael Millar, Diana Saldana, Uriah R. Sanders, C. Julian White, and Xiaohui (Eva) Xu, along with staff support from Theresa Navar-Rodriguez.
Alumni board members included: Walter Allen III ('75, urban planning), Jill Escoto ('83, communication), Randy Olson ('84, MBA) and Matthew Sanford ('07, finance, real estate and law).