An experienced higher education professional with an extensive portfolio in fundraising and strategic management will become vice president for development and alumni relations at the University of Vermont, President Daniel Mark Fogel announced today.

William A. Neidt is currently senior vice president for strategic planning at the University of Colorado Foundation, where he is leading the planning process for that institution’s next billion dollar comprehensive campaign.

Neidt’s fundraising career spans over 21 years at the University of Kansas’ University Endowment Association, the University of California at Davis and the University of Colorado Foundation. Throughout his career, Neidt has planned and directed fundraising campaigns that have netted $373 million in private support for his institutions.

Neidt will join the University’s senior administrative team at a time when UVM’s comprehensive $250 million campaign is about 90 percent complete. The campaign runs through June 30, 2007.

"I feel fortunate to have succeeded in attracting Bill Neidt to UVM at this critically important time," said Fogel. "His demonstrated success in fundraising will give our campaign the final push it needs. Once we have completed our goal, Bill will play a primary leadership role in planning our next comprehensive campaign. Fundraising will remain a strategically important source of revenue as we continue to advance our goal of permanently joining the first rank of American universities. At the same time, we will continue to strengthen our relationships with alumni, parents, and friends through the auspices of our development and alumni relations efforts."

Neidt, who will start his job at UVM in May, said, "I'm excited to lead the development and alumni division at UVM. Private funding from donors, coupled with strong alumni support, will make a big difference in the University's future. President Fogel and his team have created good momentum in carrying out a new plan and vision, and I look forward to joining them in this endeavor."

Neidt holds a doctorate in educational administration with a business minor from the University of Kansas. His master’s and bachelor’s degrees are also from the University of Kansas.