Following a nationwide search, CWU has selected Paul Elstone to serve as its new vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the Central Washington University Foundation.
Elstone’s duties will include working with the academic colleges on various initiatives, facilitating fundraising for Wildcat Athletics, leading alumni relations efforts, and working closely with academic and administrative leadership to strengthen and increase fundraising efforts that advance CWU’s mission and goals.
“I wanted to come somewhere where there was an intense focus on every student and their success,” said Elstone, who started his new role in August. “This includes students from underrepresented backgrounds, first-generation students, and talented students who just need to find the right place for them. That was why I started looking at Central.”
CWU Foundation President Angy Smith expects Elstone’s influence to be felt immediately across the institution.
“Paul’s deep experience includes developing a culture of philanthropy among internal and external stakeholders at his previous institutions,” Smith said. “He has more than 20 years of experience in higher education development and will play a key role as we address our future development needs.”
Prior to coming to CWU, Elstone worked for nearly two decades at the University of Oregon, where he served as the assistant vice president of schools and colleges development, interim director for donor relations, and, most recently, senior associate vice president of development.
The native of the United Kingdom holds a BA in economic and social history from the University of Liverpool and a master’s in education management from Roehampton Institute (University of Surrey).
He looks forward to bringing his experience and expertise to CWU as the university builds for the future. In just a short time, he’s already begun building key relationships across the CWU community.
“I have received a very warm welcome at CWU,” Elstone said. “It is clear to me that our alumni, donors, and friends are a critical source of inspiration and support for our students. I am excited to help develop those relationships even further.”
In his spare time, Elstone enjoys spending time with his wife, Angie, and their four adult children.
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