Dale Wright
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Bio
Dale Wright is the Interim Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Interim Senior Vice President of the University of Illinois Foundation Designate, developing, overseeing, and managing a comprehensive development and advancement program for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illinois).
With 25+ years of extensive experience and a proven record success in constituent and alumni engagement, program development and execution, strategic planning, management, building and coaching high-performing teams, and securing and stewarding major and principal gifts, across three (3) $1B+ multi-year comprehensive campaigns. During his tenure at Illinois, he has held additional leadership roles as Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Associate Dean for Advancement for The Grainger College of Engineering.
Wright is actively involved with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), serving as a faculty member and speaker at conferences, co-chaired two major CASE events and contributing to the advancement field as a member of the CASE Commission on Philanthropy and a CASE Laureate, as well as past District leader (V & VI). His excellence as a teacher and mentor was recognized with CASE’s Crystal Apple Award for teaching. He is also the recipient of the Frank L. Ashmore Distinguished Service Award (2025 for the U.S. and Canada). Additionally, he is a member of organizations such as the African American Development Officers Network and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, including as a past member of the board.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Wright is committed to community service, serving on the board of the United Way of Champaign County, and the American Legion Boys State of Missouri (Missouri Boys State) Board of Directors. In recognition of his service to Missouri Boys State and the field of education, he received the Mel Carnahan Public Service Award in Education in 2023 from the Carnahan Policy Institute. He holds degrees from the University of Missouri (Mizzou).