Dwight D. Clasby has joined UT Dallas as the University’s new assistant vice president for development. In his new position, he will be responsible for overseeing the University’s major gift operations.
A veteran fundraiser, Clasby has held senior management positions with nonprofits in Connecticut, Florida and Oklahoma, but has close connections to the Dallas philanthropic community. Since 2006 he has been the vice president for external affairs at Communities Foundation of Texas and from 1988 to 1992, he served as the director of development for St. Mark’s School of Texas.
“Dwight is a dedicated and personable development professional who understands what motivates people to give to an institution and who has a proven track record of surpassing fundraising goals,” said Aaron Conley, vice president for development and alumni relations at UT Dallas. “He will be an effective and passionate advocate for our case to become a national research university.”
His development experience is broad and covers donor development and stewardship, strategic planning, proposal writing, endowment management and alumni and trustee relations. Clasby’s background includes roles with private secondary schools, foundations and universities.
At Communities Foundation of Texas, Clasby managed a portfolio valued at more than $75 million. At UT Dallas, he will manage a staff of nine development directors and researchers while also serving as a key strategist for future outreach programs planned through the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
“Peter Drucker said, ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ I truly believe that UT Dallas is creating the future every day for its students, for Dallas and beyond,” said Clasby.
Clasby is coming to the University at a crucial time for external support. A provision of the Tier One legislation passed by the Texas Legislature has set off a virtual fundraising arms race in the state. Up for grabs is $50 million in matching state dollars for private gifts secured by an emerging research university. This new legislation allows for the matching of qualified gifts beginning Sept. 1.
Media contact: Meredith Dickenson, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2293, meredith.dickenson@utdallas.edu
and the Office of Media Relations, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2155, newscenter@utdallas.edu
 |
Veteran fundraiser Dwight D. Clasby has close connections to the Dallas philanthropic community. |