DECATUR, Ill. – Rick Darnell has been named new , effective May 1, 2025. In this role, Darnell will lead the University's fundraising and alumni relations efforts and provide strategic development leadership to reach community outreach goals.
Darnell brings to 鶹Լ more than 30 years of institutional and business leadership experience, most recently serving as the Senior Vice President of Development. As the University of Illinois Foundation's lead, he supported three campaigns that raised $3.650 billion.
“Rick Darnell’s depth of experience in advancement, coupled with a deep passion for higher education, makes him an ideal leader for this important role,” said 鶹Լ University Acting President Mary Black. “Alongside President-Elect Dean Pribbenow, we are excited to welcome Rick to our 鶹Լ community and look forward to the vision and energy he will bring to our development and alumni engagement efforts.”
As 鶹Լ’s Vice President of University Advancement, Darnell will lead the and strengthen 鶹Լ’s relationships with its external and internal partners. He will also act as an ambassador for the University, building relationships with 鶹Լ’s alumni, donors and friends across the country.
“I’ve worked with Rick Darnell as both a donor and in business, and I’ve seen the integrity, professionalism, and strategic vision he brings to every relationship. Rick is a dynamic leader whose passion for connecting people to purpose will be a tremendous asset to 鶹Լ,” said Kara Demirjian Huss, 鶹Լ University Trustee Emeritus and President of . “I’m thrilled to see him in this role and confident he’ll make a lasting impact.”
Before working at the University of Illinois Foundation, Darnell served as the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Fighting Illini Athletics from 2012-2016, Associate Athletic Director and Executive Director of Athletic Development at Baylor University from 2007-2012, Associate Athletic Director of Development at the University of Idaho from 2004-2007 and was a Major Gift Officer for Alumni Relations at United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation 2002-2003.
"My husband, Mark, and I have known Rick for several years. His passion for his work comes through with a natural ability to connect with people around him,” said Julie Staley, loyal 鶹Լ supporter, Member of the Staley Family Foundation, and President of the Board of Directors of the . “Rick has extensive experience with business leaders and instinctively understands what steps to take to provide beneficial and effective outcomes."
Darnell holds a Master of Business Administration from the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
