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Oglethorpe University Appoints a New Vice
President for University Relations
Atlanta – Oglethorpe University President Dr. Larry D.
Large characterizes Dr. Victoria L. Weiss, the institution's newly
appointed Vice President for University Relations, as an educator
with the unique combination of gifts to inspire students to learn
and to inspire corporations, foundations and individuals to support
the 166-year-old institution.
As Vice President for University Relations, Dr. Weiss will be
critical in securing the philanthropic dollars needed to accomplish
the university's goals. Dr. Weiss' expertise in higher education and
particularly in the area of development made her the ideal candidate
for the position. Dr. Large is currently working with a broad
cross-section of Oglethorpe University constituencies to accomplish
several goals within the next four years. He plans to grow the
endowment from its current $25 million to at least $100 million by
the year 2005. By that time, he also plans to increase undergraduate
enrollment by 200 students. Approximately 800 students are currently
enrolled in the university's traditional undergraduate programs.
Dr. Weiss earned her bachelor's degree in English from St.
Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin. She earned a master's degree
and her doctorate in English from Lehigh University, and began her
career at Oglethorpe University as an Assistant Professor of English
immediately after earning her doctorate. During her career, she has
held many leadership positions. In addition to Professor of English
and the Manning M. Pattillo, Jr., Professor of Liberal Arts, Dr.
Weiss served as Director of the Core Curriculum Program, Director of
Advancement for Special Projects, Director of Development, and this
year as Interim Provost.
As Director of Development, she was responsible for all aspects
of fundraising at the university, including a recently concluded $35
million capital campaign, the Annual Fund, and all special events
related to fundraising. In addition to exceeding its goal by half a
million dollars, the campaign marked significant growth for
Oglethorpe and its fundraising efforts. During the campaign, the
endowment nearly doubled from $14 million to $25 million.
As Vice President for University Relations, Dr. Weiss will
supervise the office of Alumni Affairs, Development, Public
Relations, Major and Planned Gifts, and the department of
Certification Programs, and oversee the Oglethorpe Museum of Art.
She will also serve as a primary liaison officer to the Board of
Trustees and provide support for both the Trustee Nominating
Committee and the Advancement Committee. Active in professional
organizations, Dr. Weiss has been president of the American
Association for the Advancement of Core Curriculum, treasurer of the
Council for the Administration of General and Liberal Studies and a
member of the executive council of the Association of General and
Liberal Studies.
In July, 2001, she will succeed Diane K. Gray, a former executive
with The Coca-Cola Company, who has served as Interim Vice President
of the division since August 2000.
A Search Committee selected Dr. Weiss as the result of a 4-month
nationwide search. The committee members were Bill Brightman,
Professor of English and Committee Chair; Barb Henry, Director of
Admission; Charles Baube, Assistant Professor of Biology; Bert Deppe,
Assistant Professor of Psychology; Joel Goldberg, University
Trustee; O. K. Sheffield, C'53 and University Trustee; and Cleve
Hill, President of the Oglethorpe University Student Government
Association and member of the graduating class of 2001.
For more information, contact W. Christopher Cason, Director of
Public Relations, at (404) 364-8329.
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