Sul Ross State University announced the appointment of Paul Herring as its new Vice President of Advancement. This strategic move, orchestrated by University President Carlos Hernandez, comes as the university bids farewell to Jim Goodman, the retiring incumbent, effective December 31.
Herring, an experienced leader in university advancement, transitions to Sul Ross from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. As Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at UMSL, he led a 140-member team across development, marketing, and communications. His tenure there was marked by remarkable success, including exceeding annual goals by up to $36 million and securing the largest gift in UMSL’s history, even amidst challenging pandemic conditions.
Prior to his role at UMSL, Herring made significant contributions at Texas Tech University (TTU) as Vice President of Advancement. He was instrumental in transitioning TTU to a university-led fundraising model, directing two record-breaking fundraising years. His efforts culminated in over $93 million in gifts in 2017 and an impressive $183 million in 2018. This included a critical $90 million for the contingency funds that established the new School of Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, Herring served as the Executive Director of the Rawls College of Business at TTU, where he established a robust model for fundraising, external relations, and marketing.
Earlier in his career, Herring played a pivotal role at St. Mary’s University as Associate Vice President. His leadership there spearheaded a campaign that raised $13 million for the renovation of various athletic facilities, surpassing the initial goal by $2 million.
Dr. Hernandez, in a statement, praised Herring’s track record: “Paul comes to Sul Ross with an impressive resume and a proven record in fundraising. He’s already familiarized himself with our unique university community, demonstrating his readiness to take on and excel in new challenges. We are thrilled to have him on board and are optimistic about the future under his guidance.”
Before his extensive career in higher education, Herring contributed significantly to Western Union North America, where he served in various capacities for nearly a decade.
On his new role, Herring expressed enthusiasm and honor: “I am grateful to President Hernandez and the search committee for this opportunity at Sul Ross State University. I am humbled and excited to be part of the team that will shape the university’s bright future.”
Herring, an alumnus of the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, will officially begin his tenure at Sul Ross State University on January 1, 2024.
Image: Sul Ross Press Announcement
