Syracuse University appoints chief advancement officer

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University (SU) Chancellor Kent Syverud has announced the appointment of Matt Ter Molen as chief advancement officer and senior vice president following a national search.

The executive committee of the SU board of trustees confirmed the appointment during its meeting last Thursday.

Ter Molen, who will report to Syverud, will assume his new role on Feb. 1, 2015, the school said in a news release.

He currently serves as associate vice president and campaign manager for “We Will. The Campaign for Northwestern” at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.

Northwestern’s $3.75 billion fundraising effort seeks to support the school’s strategic plan, “Northwestern Will,” according to the SU release.

As of Aug. 31, the campaign had raised more than $1.73 billion, SU added.

Syverud calls Ter Molen “a talented and accomplished fundraising strategist and gift steward.” 

“He brings a wealth of experience, having led large and successful higher-education fundraising campaigns. As we seek to continue the university’s strong fundraising momentum, I’m confident Matt is the right person to lead us in securing the resources necessary to enhance our academic mission, support our students and faculty, and take our university to the next level,” said Syverud.

In his new role, Ter Molen will provide counsel to the chancellor to determine long-term expectations for a “best-in-class” advancement organization, including planning, timeline, allocation of resources, capacity projections, and infrastructure needs, according to the SU release.

Ter Molen will cultivate, secure, and steward “complex” principal gifts, in partnership with the chancellor and gift officers, while creating an “environment of continuous improvement” for the advancement organization, the school added.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com