UW selects Justin Michalka as Vice President for University Development

“Justin Michalka has been named Vice President for University Development at the University of Washington, Senior Vice President for University Advancement Mary Gresch announced today. Michalka’s appointment begins July 1, 2026. The vice president for university development leads university fundraising efforts within the UW’s globally recognized University Advancement program, which integrates development, alumni and stakeholder engagement, and marketing and communications in aligned efforts to support the University’s priorities, aspirations and values. The vice president works in partnership with university leadership, the development team, and philanthropic and civic leaders to champion, galvanize and grow private support for the UW’s mission. “I’m delighted to welcome Justin to the University of Washington,” Gresch said. “He is a seasoned leader with extensive experience spanning both public and private higher education institutions and with a proven track record in building deep philanthropic relationships and authentic partnerships with individuals, within universities and across sectors. His enthusiasm and passion for the life-changing impact of higher education is inspiring and is sure to uplift our Advancement team as we prepare to launch our next campaign on behalf of the UW.” Justin Michalka Photo: University of Washington Michalka comes to the UW from the University of Texas at Austin, where he serves as Assistant Vice President for Development – Campus Partnerships, working with academic leadership and chief development officers across UT’s colleges, schools and units on goal setting, strategic priorities and fundraising strategy and productivity. A member of the senior leadership team, he has been a key strategist for UT’s “What Starts Here” campaign — which is scheduled to close at the end of August as one of the largest and most impactful university campaigns in public higher education. Michalka also provides management oversight to UT’s Annual Giving Programs, Prospect Research and Management, and co-established the University’s principal giving program in 2014. “I am excited to be joining the University of Washington and honored to be leading such a highly respected development team,” Michalka said. “The UW is one of the few universities in the world that can advance knowledge and ease suffering at scale, while creating access to excellence for students and discovery and impact that changes the world. I am eager to build on and expand the University’s outstanding fundraising operation to grow and accelerate the UW’s mission.” Michalka has served in various frontline development and leadership roles at UT Austin for the greater part of 20 years. As Executive Director of International Advancement, he co-founded and launched UT’s International Board of Advisors. As Chief Development Officer and Executive Director of Development for the UT Austin College of Liberal Arts, he led the College’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts, including planning for their current capital campaign. In addition to his leadership at UT, he has also served as Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement and Development for Trinity College and the Graduate School at Duke University, Director of Development at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and as a major gifts officer at the Arizona State University Foundation. Michalka is a 2001 graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in English and is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. For more information, contact Victor Balta at balta@uw.edu .

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