Lindauer partnered with UT Permian Basin at an important moment for the university. Approaching its 50th anniversary, UT Permian Basin was searching for a Vice President of Advancement to develop a sophisticated fundraising and external engagement strategy grounded in the institution’s ambitious new strategic plan.
After an extensive national search in partnership with Lindauer, the University of Texas Permian Basin has named a new Vice President of Advancement.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sandi to the Falcon family. She brings years of experience in leading and executing strategic advancement efforts at the university level. Sandi will oversee all operations of the Advancement office including alumni relations,” said UT Permian Basin President Dr. Sandra Woodley. “As the University begins our 50th birthday celebration, Sandi will play a vital role in garnering financial support for campus transformation, Mesa Building renovations, academic programs, and UTPB’s athletics master plan.”
“I am honored to be joining UTPB,” said Sandi Bliss. “There is so much potential here, and I want to be a part of it. I was impressed by the community involvement which is critical to the success of a University like UTPB. There are several exciting things happening at UTPB, but I have to say the newly renovated CEED Building is a crown jewel for the area – what a special and important place for donors to invest.”
Bliss has more than 18 years of fundraising experience, most recently as Chief Advancement Officer with the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. In this role, she led the corps’ advancement team, made up of development, alumni relations, scholarships, stewardship, and communications. Under Bliss’s leadership, the team reached its campaign goal five years ahead of schedule.
Prior to that, Bliss was the Senior Development Officer for Central Initiatives and Scholarships for the University of Miami Office of the Provost. Her work there as the lead fundraiser included building the plans and donor pipeline for a $500 million campaign for new student housing.
Sandi Bliss was appointed in May 2023. The search was led by Lindauer Senior Executive Vice President Jill Lasman and Assistant Vice President Megan Abbett.