By Laurel Thomas Gnagey
U-M’s vice president for development, Susan Feagin, will leave the University in July to become the vice president for development and alumni affairs at Columbia University. Feagin has been with U-M since 1998.
In a statement about her resignation, Interim President B. Joseph White noted Feagin’s ties to the New York university. “She is a Columbia alumna, and has remained connected to the university over the years as a member of its General Studies Advisory Council,” he said.
“I am grateful for Susan’s strong leadership and her commitment to enhancing Michigan’s nationally recognized development program. Under Susan’s direction, the University enjoyed its most successful levels of fund raising ever, and we are well prepared to launch the next capital campaign.
“Susan has recruited a talented team of fundraising professionals, both in central administration and in the schools and colleges,” White noted. “The University now has a deep and broad pool of talent upon which to draw. This team is working with deans and other senior administrators to connect the University with donors and friends all over the world. Susan’s contributions have been substantial, and I wish her the very best in her new role.”
White has asked Cynthia Wilbanks, vice president for government relations, to serve as interim vice president for development in addition to her current duties.
“Cynthia is an accomplished senior administrator with deep knowledge of, and commitment to, the University of Michigan,” he said. “Her skill in external relations, strategic planning and relationship-building is key to successful development efforts. I am grateful for Cynthia’s willingness to accept this interim role until a permanently appointed president can select the next vice president for development.”
White also stressed that he intends to have a major role in fund development, calling on donors and helping the University prepare for a new fund-raising campaign.
