Villanova Appoints Kevin W. Noller VP Of University Advancement

VILLANOVA, PA — Villanova University alumni Kevin W. Noller was appointed vice president for University Advancement, effective immediately, the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, university president, announced Wednesday.

Noller, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2004 and a Master of Business Administration in 2009 from Villanova University, was selected from a large pool of applicants from all over the country.

He brings nearly 20 years of experience to his new leadership position, most recently serving as associate vice president for major gifts at Villanova.

“Kevin’s familiarity with Villanova’s mission, coupled with a proven track record of securing transformative philanthropic gifts and developing high-performing teams, made him stand out in a very talented group of candidates,” said Father Donohue. “He will be a valuable asset to our university leadership team, and I look forward to working closely with him in this role.”

As vice president, Noller will provide overall leadership and direction for the Office of University Advancement, which includes alumni relations, athletics development, annual giving, family engagement and philanthropy, and corporate and foundation relations fundraising for Villanova’s colleges and schools.

He will also be responsible for expanding financial support for the priorities of Villanova’s 2020-2030 Strategic Plan and planning the University’s next comprehensive capital campaign.

“It is an honor to serve my alma mater in this important role. Working at Villanova is more than a job for me, and I am driven by my deep connection to this exceptional community of alumni, faculty, staff, and students,” Noller said.

Noller said he looks forward to supporting the Strategic Plan for 2020-2030 and advancing the mission and values of this great Augustinian Catholic institution.

In his previous role as associate president for major gifts at Villanova, Noller directed Villanova’s major gift program, managing a staff of nearly 50 with fundraising responsibilities for the university’s colleges and schools, athletics, parents, regional offices, and gift planning.

Villanova’s top fundraiser over the last decade, he developed the proposal and strategy integral to the closure of the largest gift in Villanova’s history and has led teams that have collectively raised more than $850 million in support of the university.

A member of Villanova’s Office of University Advancement since 2010, Noller has an extensive understanding of departmental operations, and during his tenure has improved efficiency and transparency, developed and implemented new engagement strategies, and worked across the university to identify new areas for support.

He also played a leadership role in Villanova’s comprehensive campaign, For The Greater Great: The Villanova Campaign to Ignite Change, which closed in 2018 at $760 million – more than $150 million over its goal.

Committed to community leadership and service, he has served as a speaker and facilitator for the advancement of professional organizations and an outside advisor to local nonprofits on fundraising best practices, including Habitat for Humanity.