LAWRENCE, Kan. - Ryan White, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development at Ohio University since 2013, has been named Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development at Kansas Athletics, KU Athletics Director Jeff Long announced Monday.
White will be responsible for the oversight and coordination of all Williams Education Fund development and philanthropic efforts at Kansas Athletics, including annual giving, major gifts and capital campaign fundraising efforts. He will oversee the operation of the WEF and K-Club, and all related activities. He will directly supervise the WEF staff, and will work closely with KU Endowment, KU Alumni Association and the KU Sales Team regarding athletics giving and seating.
At Ohio, White oversaw all annual and major gift initiatives and help lead the Bobcats in the completion of five major facility projects: a new academic center, football and women's basketball locker-room renovations, baseball turf installation and a weight room renovation. He helped execute renovations to donor hospitality areas in the basketball and football venues, and oversaw a 70 percent increase in Ohio's annual-fund contributions.
Prior to his time at Ohio, White worked extensively at highly respected fundraising departments at the University of Virginia and at North Carolina State University. His responsibilities at the Virginia Athletics Foundation included researching, cultivating, soliciting and stewardship of donors, with an emphasis on capital projects, endowment and the annual fund. He helped raise more than $100 million for the construction of John Paul Jones Arena, the home of Virginia's basketball teams, and oversaw the football and basketball ticket and parking operations for the Foundation. During his year at the N.C. State Wolfpack Club he helped with stewardship of endowment donors and prospects, and assisted in the annual fund, capital projects and special events.
White is a member of the Executive Committee of the National Association of Athletic Development Directors. He graduated from North Carolina State University and earned a Master's Degree in Sports Administration at Ohio U.
"Ryan has proven himself to be an exceptional fundraiser at multiple, respected universities, and a national leader among development professionals," Long said. "But more than that, he has displayed an engaging disposition that endears him to donors of every level. Jayhawk fans and donors will enjoy getting to know him. Ryan is a welcome, outstanding addition to the KU team."
"During the search process, I found Ryan to have an impressive background of professional experience in major gift fundraising, which will serve him well in this important role," said Dale Seuferling, president of the KU Endowment Association. "Our fundraising team looks forward to working closely with Ryan to advance the fundraising goals of Kansas Athletics."
Ryan and his wife, Kelly, have four children: Matthew, Lily, Katelyn and Nathan.
"My family and I are extremely excited about the opportunity to join the Kansas Athletics staff," White said. "I would like to thank Jeff Long and Chris Freet for providing me the opportunity to lead the Williams Education Fund. Kansas Athletics has a rich tradition filled with passionate and generous alumni, donors and friends. I look forward to building on the past successes and continuing to elevate our fundraising program in the Big 12 and nationally. Rock Chalk!"
White will be responsible for the oversight and coordination of all Williams Education Fund development and philanthropic efforts at Kansas Athletics, including annual giving, major gifts and capital campaign fundraising efforts. He will oversee the operation of the WEF and K-Club, and all related activities. He will directly supervise the WEF staff, and will work closely with KU Endowment, KU Alumni Association and the KU Sales Team regarding athletics giving and seating.
At Ohio, White oversaw all annual and major gift initiatives and help lead the Bobcats in the completion of five major facility projects: a new academic center, football and women's basketball locker-room renovations, baseball turf installation and a weight room renovation. He helped execute renovations to donor hospitality areas in the basketball and football venues, and oversaw a 70 percent increase in Ohio's annual-fund contributions.
Prior to his time at Ohio, White worked extensively at highly respected fundraising departments at the University of Virginia and at North Carolina State University. His responsibilities at the Virginia Athletics Foundation included researching, cultivating, soliciting and stewardship of donors, with an emphasis on capital projects, endowment and the annual fund. He helped raise more than $100 million for the construction of John Paul Jones Arena, the home of Virginia's basketball teams, and oversaw the football and basketball ticket and parking operations for the Foundation. During his year at the N.C. State Wolfpack Club he helped with stewardship of endowment donors and prospects, and assisted in the annual fund, capital projects and special events.
White is a member of the Executive Committee of the National Association of Athletic Development Directors. He graduated from North Carolina State University and earned a Master's Degree in Sports Administration at Ohio U.
"Ryan has proven himself to be an exceptional fundraiser at multiple, respected universities, and a national leader among development professionals," Long said. "But more than that, he has displayed an engaging disposition that endears him to donors of every level. Jayhawk fans and donors will enjoy getting to know him. Ryan is a welcome, outstanding addition to the KU team."
"During the search process, I found Ryan to have an impressive background of professional experience in major gift fundraising, which will serve him well in this important role," said Dale Seuferling, president of the KU Endowment Association. "Our fundraising team looks forward to working closely with Ryan to advance the fundraising goals of Kansas Athletics."
Ryan and his wife, Kelly, have four children: Matthew, Lily, Katelyn and Nathan.
"My family and I are extremely excited about the opportunity to join the Kansas Athletics staff," White said. "I would like to thank Jeff Long and Chris Freet for providing me the opportunity to lead the Williams Education Fund. Kansas Athletics has a rich tradition filled with passionate and generous alumni, donors and friends. I look forward to building on the past successes and continuing to elevate our fundraising program in the Big 12 and nationally. Rock Chalk!"
