About University Advancement

The University Advancement division is made up of four departments focused on fostering relationships, building partnerships, creating awareness and generating support for the University’s mission in academics, research, scholarships and outreach – University Foundation, Office of Development, Alumni Association and University Communications and Marketing. Through relationships with alumni, donors, leaders, business partners, legislators and the community, we are able to inspire investment, build advocacies and encourage active engagement. Through communications, outreach, media correspondence and government relations, we build awareness, inspire action and sustain valuable alliances with our constituents.

University Advancement Units

• University of Idaho Foundation, Inc.
• Alumni Association
• University Communications and Marketing

Chris Murray, Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the University of Idaho Foundation:

Chris Murray joined the University of Idaho as the Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director of the University of Idaho Foundation in the summer of 2006.

Prior to joining the University of Idaho, Murray served seven years as the associate dean, external affairs for the University of Oregon’s Lundquist College. Prior to the University of Oregon, Murray served at the University of Southern California as director of development for the Marshall School of Business and director of corporate relations for central development. He also

held leadership positions with the Scleroderma Research Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, creating public awareness, developing and implementing fundraising activities and handling daily operations of national and regional offices.

Murray received a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern California.

As the University of Idaho’s chief advancement officer, Murray is a member of the president’s cabinet and responsible for advancement efforts including designing, articulating and leading comprehensive fund raising, providing oversight and alignment of activities in the development office, alumni relations, and marketing and communications programs. He also serves as

executive director of the University of Idaho Foundation, responsible for organizing, supporting and directing volunteers in fundraising and advancement efforts. Murray serves as liaison with the University of Idaho Alumni Association and the Vandal Scholarship Fund. The vice president is an ex-officio, non-voting member of the boards of these three organizations.

VP Advancement Staff Contact Information: