Originally announced by CSU SOURCE Dec. 4, 2024, CSU President Amy Parsons named Scott Roberts, who formerly served as vice president of development for the Oklahoma State University Foundation, as CSU’s new vice president for university advancement. His position on campus began Jan. 6.

In his new role, Roberts will head the University Advancement team, which is responsible for four areas of outreach: development, central advancement services, alumni relations and constituent engagement. These tasks require bridging the gaps between vision and execution.

“Our job, through the entire organization, is really to share the vision of the university president and the strategy that the university is headed down (and) try to connect people’s passions with what the needs are for the university,” Roberts said.

Roberts has a successful track record of fundraising in higher education, having previously served at three other land grant institutions. He acted as the vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; president of the UNLV Foundation; president and CEO of the University of Connecticut Foundation; and, most recently, vice president for development at the Oklahoma State University Foundation. 

“Whenever things get really hard, I just remind myself, ‘Go walk across campus and have a conversation with a student about what their experience is and why they’re going to college and the impact that philanthropy can have on their educational journey.'” -Scott Roberts, vice president of university advancement

Kyle Henley, vice president for marketing and communications, who served as co-interim vice president of university advancement, noted this experience as a quality of Roberts’, which elevated him over other candidates during the search committee process.

“He’s had incredible examples of leadership in the advancement space throughout his career at some fantastic institutions, whether that’s (the UNLV Foundation), UConn and Oklahoma State University,” Henley said. “In each one of those places, he really made the institutions better.”

A two decadelong career in higher education was not what Roberts envisioned after graduating from College of the Ozarks in 1999 with a degree in health and physical education.

“I think most people that are in these roles probably stumbled into these by accident,” Roberts said. “I thought I was interested in nonprofit work. I started down the road of thinking that maybe one day I wanted to run a YMCA.”

That dream eventually brought him to the Boy Scouts of America, an organization in which he was exposed to fundraising opportunities. While he shifted away from the nonprofit sector, Roberts’ tenacious attitude still burned bright.

“I knew this place had so much potential for fundraising,” Roberts said. “It has a great donor base (and) has incredibly loyal fans and alumni and supporters. I am excited about President (Amy) Parsons’ leadership.”

The role also brings new opportunities for Roberts, as he will serve as a member of President Parsons’ cabinet and the Executive Leadership Team. 

“I’m also (involved) in conversations about bigger, much broader things that are happening at the university,” Roberts said. “That’s really fun and exciting to be part of a bigger picture than just the world that I typically live in.”

Students and their access to education are at the core of Roberts’ drive, often serving as his motivation when work piles up.

“Whenever things get really hard, I just remind myself, ‘Go walk across campus and have a conversation with a student about what their experience is and why they’re going to college and the impact that philanthropy can have on their educational journey,’” Roberts said.

While having only served in the role for over two weeks, Roberts’ excitement for his future at CSU rings strong.

“I’m so excited to be part of this team here,” Roberts said. “I think I tell a lot of people that I see just keep an eye on Colorado State. Because over the next few years, this place is going to be truly transformational for the state of Colorado and the nation.”

Reach Katie Fisher at news@collegian.com or on social media @CSUCollegian.