BVU Names Vice President for University Development and Alumni Engagement
Gary Klein, new vice president for university development and alumni engagement, will begin at BVU at end of August. The Granville native will return to northwest Iowa, and is thrilled about joining BVU, whose people act on bold, visionary ideas.
Buena Vista University has named Gary Klein as its new vice president for university development and alumni engagement.
Klein, who currently serves as vice president for institutional advancement at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisc., will assume his role at BVU at the end of August.
While at Edgewood College, Klein completed and surpassed a campaign that funded the 2017 construction of a new residence hall. Additionally, he developed and implemented an advancement plan unanimously supported by the Board of Trustees; one that strengthened fundraising infrastructure resulting in a systematic process capable of predictable results, regular growth, and more.
Klein previously served as vice president for institutional advancement at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisc., from 2002 to 2015, and held a variety of advancement and development positions from 1996 through 2001 at St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minn. Early in his career, he served in the Registrar’s Office at Mount Marty College in Yankton, S.D., and with the Admissions Department at USD in Vermillion, S.D.
“We’re so excited to be coming to Buena Vista University,” he concludes. “I can’t wait to learn all the BVU stories then share them as, together, we continue to shape a place that’s been shaping people and changing lives for generations.”
Gary Klein
“Gary’s broad experience with universities similar to BVU certainly set him apart,” says BVU President Joshua D. Merchant. “But beyond his extensive career experience and accomplishments, Gary’s ability to communicate, to lead, and in building relationships were all evident as he visited with staff and faculty members across campus. We’re thrilled to welcome him to BVU.”
“I am ecstatic about returning to northwest Iowa, to a place and people at Buena Vista University that act on bold, visionary ideas,” says Klein, who was raised on a farm near Granville. “I remember coming here as a high school student to participate in a speech contest not long after Siebens Forum opened. It is wonderful to come back at a time when this facility, through the gifts of donors, has been reborn, reshaped in a state-of-the-art way to meet the needs of students, staff, faculty members, and friends throughout the community.”
As BVU’s vice president for university development and alumni engagement, Klein, a Certified Fundraising Executive, will provide strategic direction, vision, and executive management of all development and alumni operations. He will work to secure external support for BVU through capital campaigns, annual giving, major giving, and planned giving activities.
“I can’t say enough about President Merchant’s leadership, the reputation BVU enjoys in the academic world, and the promise that continues to show through a new comprehensive Strategic Plan,” says Klein, who earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota and his master’s degree at St. Mary’s University in Winona.
“I marvel at how the connections BVU fosters with its alumni and communities continue to bolster programming, facilities, and the awarding of local scholarships and grants,” he continues. “The level of investment made by those connected with this Buena Vista University is — and should be — a source of immense pride.
Klein will be accompanied by his wife, Melissa, in a return to his native northwest Iowa. While Melissa enjoys gardening and painting, Gary maintains a shop for woodworking projects. The couple loves to cook and travel.
“We’re so excited to be coming to Buena Vista University,” he concludes. “I can’t wait to learn all the BVU stories then share them as, together, we continue to shape a place that’s been shaping people and changing lives for generations.”