Update on University Relations leadership transition
Interim Chancellor Jim Henderson today announced the appointments of two leadership positions in the University Relations unit at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Katie Kuznacic will serve as interim vice chancellor for university relations. Kuznacic previously served as executive director of philanthropy and alumni engagement and as a director of development for the College of Arts and Communication, College of Business and Economics and College of Integrated Studies (Rock County). She earned her bachelor’s degree and Master of Business Administration from UW-Whitewater.
“I am so pleased that Katie Kuznacic has agreed to serve as interim vice chancellor for university relations. She is an experienced fundraiser who has built successful collaborations with alumni and donors to secure critical resources to support university initiatives. As an alumna twice over, she deeply understands the culture of UW-Whitewater, our goals and aspirations, and the impact of philanthropy on student success,” Henderson said.
“I consider myself very lucky to have started working in a fundraising role at my alma mater back in the fall of 2010,” Kuznacic said. “Over the years, it truly has been an honor to build meaningful, collaborative, philanthropic partnerships across both of our campuses. From arts to athletics, to business and science, the University Relations team does incredible and impactful work supporting UW-Whitewater. And, I’m honored to lead this hard-working team as interim vice chancellor.”
Sandy Dunst will serve as interim president of the UW-Whitewater Foundation. Dunst previously served as vice chair of the UW-Whitewater Foundation, and has been an active member of the organization since 2016. Dunst earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from UW-Whitewater, and is a licensed CPA and change management practitioner with more than 30 years of leadership experience.
“Sandy Dunst came highly recommended to fill this position, not only for her expertise in financial and operational management, but for her inclusive and forward-thinking approach to alumni outreach and philanthropy,” Henderson said.
“I am honored to be part of the UW-Whitewater Foundation team and to contribute in their work to encourage philanthropy and support for UW-Whitewater students,” Dunst said. “We have an outstanding network of alumni and friends of the university who care deeply about making a difference in the lives of our Warhawks.”
“The university’s prompt response to address the vacancy of the foundation president/vice chancellor is greatly appreciated,” said Tim Hyland, foundation chairperson. “For many years, Sandy Dunst has demonstrated tremendous volunteer leadership to UW-Whitewater. She will be an outstanding advocate for the university. I look forward to working with her and Katie Kuznacic, another highly qualified and respected colleague, as we move our philanthropy efforts forward.”
Kuznacic and Dunst will assume their new roles on Oct. 1 and Nov. 1, respectively, and it is expected both will serve until a national search is launched for a permanent vice chancellor for university relations and president of the UW-Whitewater Foundation — the timeframe of which is still to be determined and will be communicated as soon as the details are available.