EIU Media Relations

EIU announces Mindy Spencer as next Vice President for University Advancement

Spencer’s experience, focus on relationship-building strongly align with EIU’s mission, vision, strategic plan

(Charleston, IL) -- Eastern Illinois University announces Mindy Spencer as its new Vice President for University Advancement. Spencer will officially join EIU on Monday, February 5, 2024.

“I am thrilled to join Eastern Illinois University’s leadership team, and to further enhance EIU’s robust and unwavering commitments to student success, alumni relations and donor support,” Spencer said. “I’m excited about the opportunities we will create and the new heights we can achieve. The support, pride and enthusiasm I’ve seen from everyone in and around the EIU community is amazing, and I look forward to everything we can accomplish together.”

“I am excited that Mindy will be EIU’s next Vice President for University Advancement as she brings a mission and student-focused perspective to the important work of development,” said EIU President Jay Gatrell. “Indeed, she brings an extraordinary record of building new teams and successfully launching new development and alumni initiatives in her prior roles. For that reason, I—as well as the entire leadership team—look forward to working with her to advance philanthropy and alumni outreach at EIU for years to come.”

Spencer comes to EIU from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where she most recently served in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and as Senior Director and Chief Advancement Officer. She also has served UIUC as the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ Director of Alumni Relations (2018-21) and as its Assistant Director of the ADM Institute for the Prevention of Postharvest Loss (2016-18). Spencer also has held UIUC advancement roles in the College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Law. Prior, Spencer spent time at various other Central Illinois organizations focusing her experience on web management, eCommerce, marketing, advertising and brand management.

Spencer earned an M.B.A. from UIUC in May 1998 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics in 1997. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and volunteering, but her favorite way to spend her time is with her family and their dog.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.