Desert Museum near Bend, has accepted a position with the OSU Foundation to build community financial support for the Oregon State University-Cascades Campus.

Rodgers has been named director of development for the OSU-Cascades Campus, and will serve as the executive director of the Cascades Campus Foundation. He begins his new duties on Nov. 1.

“Having helped develop the early vision for OSU in Central Oregon, I’m eager to return to Oregon State and work with community leaders to build financial support for the Cascades Campus,” Rodgers said. “A revitalized Cascades Campus Foundation will seek funding for academic programs that meet the needs of students – both in the region and across the state – and support a variety of programs to serve existing and emerging businesses.”

Rodgers spent 20 years in higher education and has worked in development and as a special assistant to former OSU President Paul Risser. In February of 2000, he was named vice president for development for the High Desert Museum near Bend, and was promoted to president and chief executive officer in July of 2001.

Rodgers announced his resignation from the museum this past July, citing the need for “new blood at the top” and a desire to explore new leadership opportunities. During his leadership, the High Desert Museum finished a $23.5 million expansion, increased attendance and unrestricted donations, and reduced its long-term debt.

The OSU-Cascades Campus also has a new campus executive officer in Diana Sloane, who was hired in July to lead the state’s first branch campus. One of her goals for moving the campus forward, she said, was to boost the prominence of the Cascades Campus Foundation and increase private giving.

Priorities for fund-raising include student scholarships, endowed faculty positions and support for academic programs.

In his previous roles at Willamette, Marylhurst and Pacific universities, Rodgers led enrollment marketing, public relations and fundraising programs. In addition to other responsibilities at OSU, he was active in regional development programs and statewide outreach activities.

The OSU-Cascades campus will be part of OSU’s first comprehensive campaign. The university and the OSU Foundation will officially launch “The Campaign for OSU” on Oct. 26. Guided by the university’s strategic plan, the campaign seeks private funds to enhance the OSU’s mission to provide opportunity for students, strengthen Oregon, and conduct research that changes the world. Early momentum in the campaign includes more than 58 gifts of $1 million or more.

Source: 

Sara Zaske,
541-737-9859

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