Longtime, Respected Administrator and Yale Distinguished Alumna Appointed Colorado State Fundraising Vice President

Colorado State University today appointed Joyce Berry, the dean responsible for securing the university’s largest gift in its history – $26 million to name the Warner College of Natural Resources – the next vice president for University Development and Advancement, pending approval of the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System.

Berry, a Colorado State alumna, will be replacing Donald Fry, who announced he is resigning July 1 to pursue other career opportunities. Between now and his departure, Vice President Fry will continue to provide direct advice and counsel to the president and assure the university of a smooth transition.

"We appreciate Don’s hard work and dedicated service to the university," said Colorado State University President Larry Edward Penley. "We wish him the best for the future."

Berry will begin the transition process into her new role April 1.

"Joyce Berry exemplifies the spirit of excellence at Colorado State University," Penley said. "Her tremendous leadership and experience will take this 21st-century land grant institution to new heights in fundraising and development. Her dedication is well respected and known on this campus and throughout the country."

In all, with her experience at Yale and Colorado State, Berry has more than 20 years of fundraising experience.

At Yale, Berry helped secure major donor, corporate and foundation gifts, including major gifts from the Pew, Doris Duke, Andrew Mellon and Hewlett foundations. She also played an instrumental role in designing and implementing the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies’ first capital campaign. In addition to the Warner Gift, this year Berry has secured $3.5 million primarily in scholarships and fellowships and potentially $8 million more in diverse gifts to the college.

In her new role, Berry will be responsible for planning, developing and administering a coordinated universitywide effort to establish and strengthen ties with university constituents; raising private funds to support the strategic initiatives of the university; and overseeing effective recognition and stewardship programs for alumni, donors and friends.

"As the university faces the challenges and opportunities ahead, we are confident that Joyce Berry’s unique experience, proven record of success and outstanding character will be a true asset to Colorado State’s leadership team and to the entire university," said Lance Perryman, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. "We are excited to have someone in this vital leadership post whose career prepares her so well for this position and whose personal goals and aspirations make her such a good fit for our university community."

Berry, who earned a doctorate in forestry and environmental studies from Yale, received the Yale University School of Forestry & Environmental Studies Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005 for her career leadership in education.

"This is a very important time for Colorado State and public higher education," Berry said. "This university is an essential contributor to the quality of life and economic development in Colorado, and our graduates, science and outreach programs increasingly contribute to the basic fabric of life for societies worldwide. Private giving, lifelong relationships with alumni and strong partnerships with constituents all form the foundation to ensure that Colorado State continues to play its vital role on behalf of the public good.

"I am excited  to work with President Penley, our great staff of development professionals and the extraordinary community that is Colorado State as we work together to meet our highest goals and vision for the future."      

Berry, who has served as a faculty member in Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism, also acted as director of the Environment and Natural Resources Policy Institute from 1994-2001 and interim director of the Colorado Policy Institute from 2001-2002. Before becoming dean in 2004, she served as associate dean for Colorado State’s Warner College beginning in 2001 and was assistant dean from 1999-2001. She was an administrator, associate in research and instructor at Yale before coming to Colorado State.

"It has been the greatest honor to be the dean of the Warner College of Natural Resources," Berry said. "I am so proud of this exceptional college community and their commitment to being the global leader in enhancing natural resources, the environment and human well-being."   

Since 1990, Berry has co-developed undergraduate, graduate and professional environmental leadership programs used by universities and organizations nationwide. Berry’s research and teaching interested have included environmental leadership, lifelong education and organizational change.

Berry chairs the National Commission on Science for Sustainable Forestry, is president-elect of the National Council of Environmental Deans and Directors and serves on the Colorado Governor’s Forestry Advisory Committee.

Fry has served as vice president for Development and Advancement at Colorado State since 2004.

"It is not without remorse that I have decided to leave Colorado State. However, I intend to explore other career opportunities outside the university," Fry said. "To serve in a leadership role as vice president for Development and Advancement has been rewarding to me personally. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the people who work in the Division of University Development and Advancement."

Fry added, "The alumni, donors and corporate partners have been a pleasure to meet and to work with to find common areas of interest with Colorado State University. I am confident that the university will have great success in its future development and alumni endeavors."

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