The University of the Virgin Islands has
named Mitchell Neaves as the director of Major Gifts in the
Institutional Advancement component at the institution. In that
capacity Neaves will direct the Major Gifts program at UVI. His
main responsibility will be developing and executing long and short
term strategies to secure major and planned gifts of $10,000 and
more. He will also help to plan major events and activities such as
capital campaigning.
Neaves said he looks forward to providing
leadership in the acquisition of resources to enhance the
experience of UVI's students and faculty. "Throughout the Virgin
Islands the impact of the University is far reaching, as our alumni
serve as community activists, teachers, public servants and
business leaders," he said. "Providing our students with the
resources to succeed is one of the University's top
priorities."
Donations come in various forms. "Anyone
having an interest in advancing higher education can support the
University as a major donor," Neaves said. "A prospect may not have
the cash available, however many have assets such as stock,
insurance or real estate, which can be donated through the planning
of their estate."
Neaves most recently served as UVI's
director of Annual Giving. Since his appointment to that position
in 2004, he has led the University's charge in raising more than $1
million each year. He is also responsible for helping the
institution to raise the most cash gifts ever, which was during the
2006-2007 year. Neaves was also instrumental in raising money for
VI EPSCoR, working with donors to create more than 10 new
scholarships and helping to plan the FUVI Celebrity Golf
Tournament.
"I realize that I did not do any of these
things by myself," Neaves said, acknowledging the support and hard
work of members of the Institutional Advancement component
specifically and the University in general. "Together we get things
done," he said.
UVI's Interim Vice President for
Institutional Advancement Dr. Henry Smith said that Neaves' track
record is evidence of his potential as the director of Major Gifts.
"Under Mr. Neaves' leadership the University expects to meet and
surpass fundraising goals,"Dr. Smith said. "Most importantly, the
University hopes to cultivate long-lasting relationships with
partners in the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, the nation and the
world."
A 1989 graduate of the Charlotte Amalie
High School on St. Thomas, Neaves holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in Sociology from Michigan State University and a master's
degree in Sports Administration and Facility Management from Ohio
University. He also earned a certificate in Fundraising Management
from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. Prior to
joining UVI in 2004, he spent six years as the director of sports
marketing at Michigan State. He has also worked at Ohio University.
Neaves fills a position that was vacant for more than a year.
Neaves' main office is located on UVI's St. Thomas
campus.
To speak with Neaves or to make a donation to UVI call the Institutional Advancement office at 693-1046.