University of Dayton President Eric F. Spina announced today that Vice President of Advancement Jennifer Howe has accepted a position with Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia, effective July 31. Spina named Christopher Morrison, associate vice president and director of campaign operations, to succeed Howe as vice president.

"Jen Howe has been a tremendous asset to the University," Spina said. "Our advancement division has grown and developed into a first-rate team that has been extremely successful deepening our engagement with all facets of the Flyer family -- alumni, parents, students and friends of the University.  I will miss Jen personally as well as professionally, and I wish her all the best 'back home' in Georgia.  I know, however, that what Jen and her advancement team have built will continue to thrive and make a difference for UD."

Through her leadership, the University is on track for near-record fundraising this year and well-positioned to move from the leadership phase into the public phase of a major fundraising campaign next year, Spina said. 

Spina also pointed to the success of One Day, One Dayton, the University's annual giving day first held in 2019, which grew this year to involve 6,634 donors from all 50 states and more than 800 volunteers, raising $2.2 million.

Howe, a Georgia native who has led UD’s division for six years, said she looks forward to returning to her home state to lead development efforts for a large, public research university, but leaves with great gratitude to the advancement team and the University's close-knit community. 

"From the very beginning, I have been welcomed so openly and warmly," she said. "Despite the pandemic and a host of other challenges, it's been an amazing experience and I'm extremely proud the division is positioned strongly, not only for the campaign, but for many years to come. We have such an experienced team, wonderful volunteers, and passionate students, alumni and donors." 

Morrison, a 1985 UD graduate who joined the University's advancement division nearly 10 years ago after 27 years of experience in sales leadership, said he's confident the division will build on the success and momentum of the past few years. 

"We have been developing and strengthening the entire advancement infrastructure for six  years and I know that will lead to the success of UD’s first comprehensive campaign in the past 20 years," Morrison said. "We have a dedicated team that I am looking forward to working with as we advance this great University and its students into the future." 

Spina said Morrison is known and respected across the University and is well-positioned to lead the division through a seamless transition. 

"A UD alum and parent with great passion for UD, Chris has an innate understanding of our identity and mission, and deep knowledge of advancement operations and staff," Spina said. "I am excited about his leadership and know that the commitment of the entire advancement division will be key to making the transition and having a successful campaign." 

Read the Georgia Tech announcement here.