New Orleans, La. - Xavier University of Louisiana has announced the appointment of Kimberly Reese as the Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Reese began her journey at Xavier in 1995 as Coordinator for Volunteer Services. In her most recent role as assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations, Reese provided leadership to the University’s fundraising and development division as the chief alumni relations officer. In her new role as Associate VP for Institutional Advancement, Reese will serve as part of the senior staff team in Institutional Advancement and provide leadership for major fundraising initiatives and manage alumni engagement.

“During her tenure in Alumni Relations, Kimberly increased alumni engagement by more than 100 percent, expanded Homecoming, increased the number of chartered chapters, established the inaugural Alumni Leadership Conference and introduced alumni travel programs,” said Phillip D. Adams, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Xavier University of Louisiana. Adding, “I am looking forward to working with her as we continue to increase and expand alumni engagement through strategic initiatives for the University.”

Prior to joining the Institutional Advancement team, Kimberly served as the Assistant Dean of Students at Xavier University of Louisiana. She directed the Center for Student Leadership and Service which included New Student Orientation and Leadership Programs, the First Year Experience Program (FYE), Service-Learning, and Volunteer Services. In this capacity she also served as the assistant administrator of the student judicial system at Xavier University.

“I am honored to continue my journey in support of advancing Xavier University’s mission,” said Reese. “Maintaining and expanding strong alumni relationships is one of the most important ways that we can do our part to ensure the success of current and future Xavierites. As an alumna myself, leading this work and taking on more responsibility that will contribute to securing Xavier’s future, is even more meaningful.”

Reese brings more than three decades worth of experience as an administrator in higher education. Previously, Reese’s appointments included Assistant Director for Student Development and Director of Leadership at University of Illinois at Chicago, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Center for Student Leadership and Service at Xavier University of Louisiana, and Director of Alumni Relations at Xavier University of Louisiana. She has built a positive reputation with the University as a strong, committed, and ethical leader to her fellow colleagues.

Kimberly is an active member of the PTO at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School in New Orleans and Women of the Storm, an organization of regional women affected by Hurricane Katrina and Rita who are committed to the rebuilding of their cities.  She most recently served on the St. Peter Claver Catholic Church fundraising committee. Kimberly serves as a board member for the Edgar “Dooky” Jr. and Leah Chase Family Foundation and the Fielkow-Chase Youth Education Initiative.  She has co-authored numerous grants totaling more than $2 million and facilitated workshops and trainings locally and nationally.

Reese received her Masters of Arts degree and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Xavier University of Louisiana.

About Xavier University of Louisiana

Being America’s only historically Black and Catholic University is only the first among many distinctions that have set Xavier University of Louisiana apart for more than nine decades. Despite its relatively small size (3,300 students), Xavier is a nationally recognized leader in the STEM and the health sciences, producing more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Its College of Pharmacy is among the top producers of African American pharmacists.

Its liberal arts-based programs in such areas as art, business, education, psychology, and political science – as well as recent additions in bioinformatics, data science, neuroscience, crime and social justice, and jazz studies – offer students an unbeatable combination of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities, and life experiences. The winning Xavier formula to provide students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls.

For more information about Xavier University of Louisiana, visit us online at www.xula.edu or follow us on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter @XULA1925. To book interviews and/or to speak with our experts in the field of pharmacy, education, premed, public health, science, technology, math, business, English, communications, and the arts, contact Chelsea Cunningham at (504) 520-5425 or ccunnin5@xula.edu.