St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands;--- The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has announced the appointment of Michael J. Morsberger as its new Vice President for Institutional Advancement, effective Oct. 1, 2024. With a distinguished career in healthcare and higher education at several of the nation’s premier academic health systems and nonprofits, Morsberger is set to lead UVI’s advancement initiatives, encompassing alumni relations, development, public relations, and the Reichhold Center for the Arts.
Morsberger has a remarkable track record of transformative fundraising successes at prestigious institutions, including George Washington University, Duke University, the University of Virginia, and the University of Central Florida, where he led a campaign that raised over $531 million. He also has extensive expertise in the field of healthcare philanthropy, having served as Chief Philanthropy Officer and President of the Jupiter Medical Center Foundation and, most recently, as Senior Vice President and Leader of Academic Medicine Practice at GOBEL, a leading consulting firm working exclusively in healthcare philanthropy.
UVI President, Dr. Safiya George, recruited Morsberger following a national search and expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment: “Michael Morsberger is a visionary leader with an unparalleled ability to galvanize communities and inspire philanthropy. His extraordinary achievements in higher education and health care will elevate UVI’s advancement efforts to new heights. We are excited to welcome him to the UVI family and look forward to his leadership in shaping our future.”
This strategic appointment comes as UVI continues its growth and transformation aimed to expand its impact across the region. Morsberger’s expertise in securing transformational gifts and leading multi-year campaigns aligns with UVI’s mission to provide world-class education, support its students, and enhance its cultural and social footprint.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Morsberger stated: “I am honored to join the University of the Virgin Islands at such a pivotal moment in its history. UVI is a pillar of education and opportunity in the Caribbean. I look forward to working with the alumni, donors, and broader community to build on its success and ensure a bright future for generations to come.”
Morsberger succeeds Dr. Pamela Moolenaar-Wirsiy, who has served as Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement since November 2023. Dr. George also acknowledged Dr. Moolenaar-Wirsiy’s leadership: “I want to thank Dr. Pamela Moolenaar-Wirsiy for her invaluable contributions during her tenure as Interim Vice President. Her dedication and leadership have been instrumental in keeping UVI’s advancement efforts on course, and we are grateful for her service.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Morsberger earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Public Relations from Radford University and a master’s degree in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. He has also served in numerous leadership roles on nonprofit boards and is a dedicated advocate for community engagement.
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