After an extensive national search, University President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval has appointed Brady Crook to be the next vice president of University Advancement, effective Sept. 8.
Currently, he is the senior associate vice chancellor of Institutional Advancement with the Texas Tech University System, where he has served since 2019.
“With his vast experience in strategic fundraising and community engagement, Brady will be instrumental in guiding Fresno State’s robust philanthropic efforts to new heights,” Jiménez-Sandoval said. “We look forward to this new chapter as we continue to cultivate a brighter future for our institution, the students whom we serve and the community we so love.”
Crook brings more than 32 years of experience in higher education and a record of extraordinary success in fundraising, new donor campaigns, large-scale individual gifts and corporate philanthropy. At Texas Tech University System, the Chancellor’s Council has seen a resurgence under his leadership, having the most successful fundraising year in its recorded history.
“The connection Fresno State has with the Valley and vice versa is fantastic and very unique. It is something that is very palpable and a two-way asset that doesn’t happen everywhere,” Crook said. “A main attraction for me is the opportunity to build a culture of philanthropy through a best-in-class advancement division. I see that opportunity as boundless for Fresno State.”
While the vice president for University Advancement at Adelphi University, Crook led the advancement team to increase fundraising by 203% while implementing infrastructure that included a policy library, a fund agreement process and an annual planning process with industry best practices and metrics.
Crook also has more than 15 years of athletic fundraising experience at three institutions.
At Fresno State, Crook will report to the president and will serve as a member of the cabinet. He will lead more than 40 staff members in the Division of University Advancement, which includes development, advancement services and alumni relations.
Crook succeeds Paula Castadio, who retired in February, after more than eight years at Fresno State. Dr. Phil Ellmore has been serving as the interim vice president while the search for Castadio’s replacement took place.
Crook is married to his wife, Melissa, and they have three adult daughters. He enjoys golfing, traveling and music.
At Fresno State, Crook looks forward to engaging Bulldog alumni in ways that are most meaningful to them.
“We want to provide engaging content and programming so that people see themselves in what we’re doing, thereby growing the Bulldog family. I am grateful to President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval for this opportunity to lead the University Advancement division and become a part of the Bulldog family. I look forward to partnering with him, and the entire community, to elevate philanthropy at Fresno State.”
