Higher education leader Kimberly Shiner was appointed interim vice president for university advancement at Cal State Fullerton, effective Feb. 26. Shiner will serve through Dec. 31, 2024, while a national search for the permanent role is conducted.
Shiner will lead the Division of University Advancement’s Alumni Engagement, Central Development, College and Program Development, Government and Community Relations, Strategic Communications and Brand Management, and Administration and Finance teams. She will also serve as interim executive director of the Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation.
“With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Kim brings a wealth of expertise to Cal State Fullerton,” said President Sylvia Alva. “The University Advancement division is an outstanding team of professionals who have had many important accomplishments like the ‘It Takes a Titan’ campaign, which raised $270 million for the university. I am grateful to have Kim lead this team and keep important momentum going.”
Shiner launched her career in higher education at USC, where she was part of two historic campaigns that raised $6 billion for the university and $2.2 billion for the Keck School of Medicine. Continuing her work in the California State University system, Shiner served as associate vice president for university advancement at Cal State San Bernardino. She played a key role in the university’s first comprehensive campaign, which exceeded its $50 million goal and was completed a year ahead of schedule.
Most recently, she served as vice president for college advancement and communications at Pitzer College in Claremont, where she led the college’s strategic vision to elevate philanthropy within the academic community.
Throughout her professional life, Shiner has distinguished herself as a champion for higher education and diversity, equity and inclusion. She currently serves on the board for Leadership California, a statewide nonprofit whose mission is to move women from success to significance. She is an alum of Leadership California’s Issues and Trends program, the African American Board Leadership Institute, and the Inland Empire Economic Partnership Regional Leadership Academy.
“I am thrilled to join the Titan community, working alongside President Alva and the dedicated University Advancement team,” said Shiner. “Returning to the CSU is a homecoming filled with purpose. Together, we will continue to amplify CSUF’s mission, fostering meaningful connections with students, faculty, staff and external partners, as we advance a path of excellence, growth and collective success.”
Shiner is a two-time alumna of the CSU system, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in public administration from Cal State Northridge.
Her appointment follows the departure of Greg Saks, who now serves as vice chancellor of external relations and communications for the CSU.