Veteran fundraiser to lead Emporia State University’s development efforts

Roseanne Becker, a seasoned professional with 20-plus years of experience in fundraising, has been hired as Chief Development Officer at the ESU Foundation. She begins Oct. 26.

“We are most pleased that Roseanne will be joining our team,” said Judith Heasley, ESU Foundation President and CEO of University Advancement. “She is a consummate fundraiser with a strong history of major gift fundraising, and she will also be an energetic mentor to the fundraising staff. I firmly believe she possesses the skills and the personality to be highly successful at ESU. She is an excellent fit.”

Becker, a resident of Leawood, Kan., most recently served as Vice President of University Advancement at Ottawa University. She was the Assistant Vice President for Development for Creighton University from 2004 to 2006, and the Senior Director for Individual Giving for the University of Missouri – Kansas City from 2001 to 2004. Becker’s additional fundraising experience is extensive, including posts at the Cleveland College Foundation, Albion College, Nazareth College, and the American Heart Association of Michigan.

Now she’ll bring her vibrant background to ESU – a university that she recognized is poised to move forward with a new strategic plan.

“I was very impressed with how focused everyone was on where ESU is going. The strategic thinking was in everyone’s conversations, at all levels,” Becker said. “I’m very excited to get started, especially to begin meeting alumni, donors and Foundation board members, and get a sense of their memories and why they feel connected to ESU.”

Becker holds a master’s degree in human resources from Ottawa University, a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Kansas, and the prestigious designation of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Last Updated October 6, 2009>