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Thad Dohrn has been named the Western Illinois University Assistant Vice President for University Advancement/Chief University Advancement Officer.
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Dohrn Named Assistant Vice President for University Advancement

May 28, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - Following a national search, Thad Dohrn has been named the Western Illinois University Assistant Vice President for University Advancement/Chief University Advancement Officer, effective Tuesday, June 2. Dohrn brings more than 20 years of higher education fundraising experience to the position.

"Thad's extensive experience in higher education fundraising and alumni engagement will be instrumental as we promote opportunities for our students and support university initiatives and programs," WIU President Kristi Mindrup said. "WIU is excited to welcome Thad and we look forward to the impact his work will have on the university and especially our students."

Most recently, Dohrn served as the senior associate Athletics Director and executive director of Development at DePaul University. Among his achievements at DePaul University were securing a dozen million-dollar-plus commitments, leading the fundraising efforts to construct Wintrust Arena, and innovating grassroots efforts to raise more than $3 million in a single day as part of DePaul's Blue Demon Challenge. He previously led the fundraising, marketing and media relations unit at Columbia University and was instrumental in marketing and alumni/Letterwinner relations at Iowa State University.

"I look forward to working with President Mindrup, the Board of Trustees and University Leadership and to lead the Advancement team in support of their vision for Western Illinois University," Dohrn said.

Dohrn's goals for the Advancement team are to build on the momentum of the construction of the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts through the For the W Campaign, to be intentional about how WIU transforms its relationships with alumni, donors and the Macomb community and to lead his department to serve as effective messengers of excellence and impact made by WIU students, alumni, faculty and staff.

Dohrn received his bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communications and his master's degree in Exercise and Sport Science, both from Iowa State University.

As assistant vice president, Dohrn will oversee University Advancement, Alumni Relations, University Scholarship Activities and Foundation Operations. Following a vote by the Foundation Board, Dohrn will also serve as the executive officer of the WIU Foundation. Dohrn will serve as a member of the WIU Cabinet and will report to the President.

Posted By: Drew Donahoo (AM-Donahoo@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing