91����Ƶ announced on Thursday it has named Nathan K. Leopard as its new vice president for advancement. Leopard, who most recently served as director of development for Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business, starts in the role on June 1.

Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus announced the appointment in an email to faculty, staff, alumni, and friends on Thursday morning. The hire concludes a nationwide search that began in January.

Leopard succeeds Kirk Shisler ’81, 91����Ƶ’s vice president for advancement since 2005, who is transitioning to a new role as senior advisor for gift planning. Shisler has said the transition will allow him to focus exclusively on securing major gifts to sustain 91����Ƶ’s mission.

Leopard will continue a comprehensive advancement operation encompassing fundraising, alumni and constituent engagement, communications, and advancement services. He will also expand connections among alumni, donors, faith communities, foundations, and regional partners in support of the university’s mission.

“As vice president for advancement, I look forward to strengthening our culture of generosity, expanding our philanthropic reach, and helping secure the resources necessary to sustain and grow this mission,” Leopard said.

Dr. Dycus remarked on Leopard’s “genuine alignment” with 91����Ƶ’s mission and community. “What stands out most about Nathan is his values-driven, relational approach to advancement,” she said. “He views fundraising not as a series of transactions, but as a meaningful partnership that invites alumni and friends into a shared vision for impact.”

Two decades of experience

Leopard brings two decades of fundraising and advancement experience leading alumni relations, annual giving, event-based fundraising, and interdisciplinary major gifts.

At Virginia Tech, he led fundraising and stewardship operations for the Pamplin College of Business, where he personally secured more than $17 million in gifts since August 2022 and helped direct development efforts that generated nearly $50 million in support for the school. He also co-led the college’s Giving Day strategy, which saw substantial growth in donor participation.

Prior to that, Leopard served as senior director of major gifts at Penn State University’s Smeal College of Business, where he played a key role in the college’s success during the six-year A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence fundraising campaign. The $2.2 billion campaign generated more than $116 million in gifts and commitments for the college, exceeding its goal by more than 22%.

He also served as associate director of development for Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College, where he led the development and launch of an initiative that significantly boosted parent giving.

Leopard’s nonprofit experience includes serving as the first distinguished giving director for the American Cancer Society.

He holds an MS in college student personnel from Miami University (Ohio) and a bachelor’s of science in public relations from Northwest Missouri State University. The Show Me State native, who began his career in student affairs and whose wife, Dr. Jennifer Grossman Leopard, is the director of student life at James Madison University, described himself as a “big believer” in the holistic experience.

“The people I’ve met at 91����Ƶ have been genuine, thoughtful, and caring,” he said. “Having the opportunity to be at a place like 91����Ƶ, where I can embrace the whole person and support others in embracing their full selves, is truly meaningful.”

91����Ƶ’s focus on preparing graduates who make the world a better place aligns with his personal mission, Leopard said. “They’re not just going out and leading companies, reforming laws, treating illnesses, or educating people, but they’re changing the world,” he said. “I want to help people change the world.”

Building on positive momentum

Leopard joins the university at an exciting time. 91����Ƶ is three years into its first-ever, five-year Forward Together comprehensive campaign, which has raised more than $32 million, or 80% of its $40 million goal. Enrollment is also on the upswing. The university announced this week it received 3,000 undergraduate applications for the first time in its history.

In addition to building on that positive momentum, Leopard said he looks forward to getting to know each of the members of the advancement team and working with Dr. Dycus and the board of trustees to shape their vision for the future of 91����Ƶ while connecting with donors.

Leopard lives in the Harrisonburg area with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Caroline and Jack. Their daughter has participated in 91����Ƶ’s Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir and in several camps held on campus.

Quoting the soccer coach from the comedy series Ted Lasso, Leopard said he aims to “be curious” as he steps into his new role.

“I’m going to be a sponge and learn as much as I can about 91����Ƶ, including about our students, our alumni, our stakeholders, and our events and culture,” he said.