Spotlight: Michael Schultz

Position: Associate VP of Development and Alumni Relations
Major: Education Leadership & Policy Studies
Class: EDD May 2009

Michael Schultz completed his doctorial in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies this past spring, but he has been working for UVM the past 11 years.

Dr. Schultz began his undergraduate work close to home at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a major in social work. Intending to go straight onto graduate school in the same field, he received an opportunity to do an internship at a local public television station in fundraising. This was the beginning of his interest in development. He would go on to work for the University of Wisconsin Foundation, a private entity that raises money for the university. After a few years, he would move to work at Salem State College in Massachusetts, where he continued in development while completing his MBA part-time.

With an MBA and years of experience behind him, Dr. Schultz returned to the University of Wisconsin Foundation for another eight years of work. His job would entail raising money for graduate fellowships and for the university hospital. In 1998, he would take the opportunity to work for UVM. Here he would be in charge of the major gifts program for the university. Dr. Schultz would also take classes part-time in higher education. With the support of professors and advisors, he decided to pursue his doctorate.

Drs. Deborah Hunter and Kathleen Manning encourage Dr. Schultz to take more than just a sample of classes, but pursue a doctorial degree. "Even though I have been working in higher education for over twenty five years, to be able to step back and look at it from a more academic and research point of view was eye opening," he says. He found the history of higher education, was part of his experience that was missing. "Their teachings were helpful for my professional work; it showed me what's going on today in higher education." He was able to juggle a full-time job while taking classes. "I banked enough vacation time, that I was able to take days off so I could go to the library and study," he says. It would take more than a couple of days off though to complete his doctorial.

With the help of key faculty members, he would be able to complete his doctoral degree. Dr. Jill Tarule, former dean of CESS, and Dr. Wolfgang Mieder, former chair person of the dept. of German and Russian, would help complete his dissertation: "Elucidating the role of the university CEO's spouse in development, alumni relations, and fundraising." He would receive advice and direction from many professors who would provide a different perspective. During even odd hours, he could rely on his committee for insight. "I was able to call on Dr. Kathleen Manning during the holiday break when I was stuck and she was able to give me the right direction to move forward," he recalls. "The support from the professors during my doctorial study was great... The degree has helped with my position."

So what is next for Dr. Schultz? "I love this field. People might shy away from working in fundraising, but I meet fascinating people every day and get to hear their experiences with UVM. I find working at the university is a great quality of life, because of the academic availability, the cultural connections and the recreational as well. Burlington is one of the best places to live."