Carla S. Willis, a 25-year veteran of higher-education fundraising, has been named vice chancellor for university advancement at UNC Asheville. The UNC Asheville Board of Trustees unanimously approved her appointment on Friday, June 10, 2016. She is scheduled to start her new position on August 1, 2016.

Willis brings to UNC Asheville an impressive track record of success in higher education advancement. She comes to UNC Asheville from Kean University in Union, New Jersey, where she serves as vice president for institutional advancement and president of the university foundation. In her time at Kean, Willis implemented a series of initiatives that helped the university exceed fundraising goals.

“Carla brings a wealth of experience and passion to this position, and it’s very exciting to have her on the team,” said UNC Asheville Chancellor Mary K. Grant. “She has a real enthusiasm for higher education and knows the importance of private support to ensure that college remains affordable and accessible. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together here at UNC Asheville.”

“This is an exciting time at UNC Asheville, and I am thrilled to join this vibrant academic community,” said Willis. “I look forward to leading advancement and, through collaborative efforts, achieving higher levels of philanthropic investment in the university.”

Prior to her current role, Willis worked at The Ohio State University, serving as assistant vice president of advancement for the Wexner Medical Center. In this role, Willis co-led and developed a successful fundraising strategy for a $1 billion campaign to build a new medical center.

Before joining Ohio State in 2011, Willis worked at Florida A&M University, serving as vice president of university relations and executive director of the FAMU Foundation.

“This is such an important role for our university and our community and we couldn’t have asked for a better candidate than Carla,” said Himanshu Karvir, chair of the UNC Asheville Foundation board. “In addition to her depth of experience, I’m impressed with her enthusiasm and genuine care for this work.”

Willis also is a sought-after public speaker and is active in numerous national professional organizations including the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Willis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Toledo.