Accomplished advancement executive brings record-breaking philanthropic success to Silicon Valley’s leading Jesuit university<\/p>\n
SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 29, 2026\u2014\u00a0Santa Clara University President Julie Sullivan today announced the appointment of Amy Yancey as the next vice president for University Relations, following a comprehensive national search. Yancey, a highly accomplished and strategic advancement executive, will lead Santa Clara\u2019s development, alumni relations, and event planning operations and serve as a member of the President\u2019s Executive Council and Cabinet.<\/p>\n
Yancey brings more than two decades of proven advancement leadership to Silicon Valley, including a stellar track record of driving record-breaking philanthropic success and leading high-performing teams across major higher education institutions. She joins Santa Clara University from her role as president and CEO of the University of Connecticut Foundation, where she oversaw fundraising, alumni engagement, and endowment management for UConn and UConn Health, including launching the $1.5 billion Because of UConn Campaign and driving a 50 percent increase in fundraising and the strongest fundraising year in institutional history.<\/p>\n
Prior to her leadership at the UConn Foundation, Yancey served as vice president for development at Boston College, overseeing institutional fundraising with a specialized focus on academic programs, financial aid, and athletics, and leading the fundraising team to consecutive record-breaking years, culminating in more than $1 billion in fundraising. During her tenure, she also served as acting senior vice president for advancement, helping plan and execute the launch of BC\u2019s $3 billion Soaring Higher campaign.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmy is an exceptional advancement leader who possesses a deep understanding of contemporary higher education, superb strategic and operational acumen, and a proven ability to turn bold aspirations for growth into tangible success,\u201d said Sullivan. \u201cHer track record of driving record-breaking growth, paired with her ability to connect with relevant constituents across academics, Division I athletics, medicine, alumni, and the broader university and community, makes her the ideal leader to accelerate Santa Clara\u2019s philanthropic momentum. We are thrilled to welcome Amy to the Bronco family as we look toward a future of expanded institutional impact, global reach, and service to the universal good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yancey\u2019s extensive career also includes seven years as associate vice president for development at the University of Virginia, where she served on the senior leadership planning team for UVA\u2019s $5 billion campaign and led programs with more than $1 billion in goals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder President Sullivan\u2019s leadership, Santa Clara is rising to meet the societal challenges of our day through bold new initiatives like the Mark & Mary Stevens School of Medicine<\/a> and Cunningham Shoquist Center for Applied AI and Human Potential,<\/a>\u201d said Yancey. \u201cThese advances go hand in hand with investments in student access and belonging and a deep commitment to the University\u2019s Jesuit Catholic values. Santa Clara is distinctly positioned to step into a bold era of innovation and societal impact and expand its reach among the world\u2019s leading Jesuit universities.<\/p>\n \u201cI look forward to working in partnership with President Sullivan, her leadership team, the Board of Trustees, our dedicated University Relations team, and our passionate alumni and donors. Together, we will harness the region\u2019s immense innovative energy and the loyalty of the Bronco community to help the University reach new heights.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n She added, \u201cThe University\u2019s mission of educating the whole person to build a more just, humane, and sustainable world mirrors my own purpose-driven approach to career and life. I am truly honored to join the Bronco family at this pivotal moment in the University’s history.\u201d<\/p>\n