Eastern alumnus Kenneth Wetstein has been selected as the new vice president for University Advancement and begins his new role on Monday, according to a press release.

The vice president for University Advancement role includes “leading a team of development and advancement professionals in the areas of planned giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships and donor and alumni relations,” according to the press release.

Wetstein will also collaborate with Eastern’s Board of Trustees for “relationship-building and philanthropic initiative,” the press release says.

The Office of Univeristy Advancement is in charge of developing and promoting relations with Eastern’s constituents, and attention is geared toward the university’s state and national image, according to Eastern’s website.

At Eastern, Wetstein earned his bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis in international relations in 1991 and his master’s degree in education in counseling with an emphasis in college student personnel in 1993.

He also received a doctorate degree in higher education administration from the University of Missouri—St. Louis in 2005, the press release says.

In the press release, President David Glassman said Wetstein is bringing more than 20 years of experience in higher education and non-profit management with him as Eastern’s new VP for University Advancement.

Wetstein was previously the vice president of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, vice president for institutional advancement and vice president of student engagement at Defiance College in Ohio and director of student and professional affairs at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, according to the press release. Wetstein also served as a hall director at Eastern while earning his master’s degree.

In the press release, Wetstein said expanding upon the relationship Eastern has with its constituents is key to the university’s success. He said the collaboration between the university and its supporters is critical in broadening the opportunities for Eastern students.

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