Greg Rutzen named vice chancellor for university advancement
Chancellor Dwight C. Watson announced the appointment of Greg Rutzen as vice chancellor for university advancement at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
“Greg Rutzen is a strategic leader and fundraiser who brings more than 23 years of advancement experience to this position. His impressive work in philanthropy and communications – along with his legal background – are tremendous assets to our campus,” Watson said. “The work of university advancement is critical to UW-Whitewater’s success and to accomplishing our strategic goals. Under Greg Rutzen’s leadership, I am confident we can take our advancement efforts to new heights.”
Rutzen assumed his new role on Jan. 1, 2020, and oversees the areas of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, the UW-Whitewater Foundation, and University Marketing and Communications.
“Ever since joining the Warhawk family, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for this university and its mission of student success. UW-Whitewater is an exceptional place and I’m excited to lead the advancement division and the UW-Whitewater Foundation. From fundraising to marketing, we have passionate and talented individuals who can help elevate our work and, in turn, this campus,” Rutzen said. “I look forward to collaborating across the university and beyond to enhance our philanthropy efforts and more strongly engage our alumni and community partners.”
Since September 2019, he has served as interim president of the UW-Whitewater Foundation. Rutzen joined UW-Whitewater earlier in the year as director of corporate philanthropy, where he was tasked with creating a formal corporate development program to secure major gifts.
He previously served as a director of development and marketing at the Dane County Humane Society and in advancement roles at the University of Houston-Victoria, University of Texas System, Bethesda Lutheran Communities, Central Methodist University and Valparaiso University.
Rutzen earned a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Science in law and public policy at Indiana University-Bloomington. He is a licensed attorney in the state of Wisconsin.
"With the national search now concluded, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Dr. Lynsey Schwabrow for her leadership in chairing the search and screen committee, to the members of the committee for their diligent work, and to everyone on campus who participated in the search process,” Watson said.