David Disend leads the University Advancement division, which encompasses fundraising; communications; marketing; and alumni, community and government relations.
Mr. Disend was a school teacher and administrator before entering university work. During his career, his leadership has led to 27 CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education) and IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) awards and over $750 million raised.
He earned his bachelors degree at New College in Florida, and his M.A.T. from Duke University.
Outside of work, Mr. Disend is a devoted bicyclist and has a passion for things circus. A collector of books about the circus and circus advertising posters, he often asks dinner guests to don clown noses and shoes.