News Release
Robert J. Nava named vice president for University Advancement
Former UTEP executive brings more than 20 years of advancement experience to SF State
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 24, 2010 -- San Francisco State University President Robert A. Corrigan today announced the appointment of Robert J. Nava as the new vice president for University Advancement. Nava, formerly the associate vice president for Institutional Advancement at the University of Texas, El Paso (UTEP), will be responsible for advancing the University's external image and maintaining relationships with key University constituencies. Units reporting to him will include development, university communications, alumni relations, special events and government relations. Nava will report directly to Corrigan, serve on the president's cabinet and work as president of the University Foundation.
"Robert Nava brings a broad portfolio of success in higher education to SF State," Corrigan said. "Not only does Mr. Nava boast a record of high achievement, but his 24-year career in higher education reflects his commitment to social justice and equity -- values that are central to SF State."
In his five years at UTEP, Nava led the development and alumni units and directed the University's Centennial Campaign, which raised almost half of its $200 million goal before its public launch.
As vice president of University Advancement, Nava will provide strategic and creative leadership for a comprehensive advancement program, serve as a highly visible representative of the University in the community, and help the University to increase its visibility.
"I was attracted to the mission of San Francisco State," said Nava, a first-generation college student. "The University's national reputation and commitment to social justice, access for residents of the region and its excellence brought me to this campus."
Nava has an intimate knowledge of higher education in California, having worked for 19 years at the University of California, Riverside, most recently as interim vice chancellor for University Advancement and president of the UC Riverside Foundation. His efforts led to the opening of the Edward J. Blakely Center for Sustainable Suburban Development, a first of its kind in California.
He also served as the University’s lobbyist in Sacramento and Washington D.C. During much of his UC Riverside career, Nava also taught as an adjunct faculty member in CSU Fullerton's Chicano Studies program.
Nava holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from UTEP, a law degree from Western State University College of Law and was a member of the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Institute for Management and Leadership in Education. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), a credential attained by demonstrating success in fundraising and supporting professional standards in philanthropy.
He replaces Lee Blitch, who will retire after serving five years as vice president for University Advancement.
SF State is the only master’s level public university serving the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin. The University enrolls more than 30,000 students each year. With nationally acclaimed programs in a range of fields – from creative writing, cinema and biology to history, broadcast and electronic communications arts, theatre arts and ethnic studies – the University’s more than 180,000 graduates have contributed to the economic, cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond.
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