University of Wisconsin-Stout has selected a new vice chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Relations.
Nicholas Katona’s role will also include serving as executive director of the UW-Stout Foundation, said Chancellor Katherine Frank, who announced the appointment on March 24.
Katona will provide the strategic vision for university development plans and alumni engagement in order to increase support for the university in accordance with the mission and identity of Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, Frank said.
Katona is currently the vice president of Advancement & Alumni Engagement at St. Cloud State University as well as executive director of the St. Cloud State University Foundation Inc. and St. Cloud State University Alumni Association.
“During the interview process, Nic demonstrated a strong understanding of UW-Stout’s Polytechnic mission and presented a strategic vision for increasing support for our faculty, staff, and students,” Frank said. “Nic’s desire to enhance connections with our more than 76,000 alumni will be invaluable as we continue to advance our goals as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University."
He holds an M.P.S. in Political Management and Fundraising from The George Washington University and has served in development and philanthropy roles at several institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom.
“It is an honor to join Stout and advance its polytechnic mission. With the changing landscape of higher education, Stout’s focus on supporting students by preparing them to be successful in the workforce and advancing innovative research sets us apart from our competitors,” Katona said. “As a proud Wisconsinite I am pleased to come home and join the leading polytechnic of the upper Midwest. I look forward to enhancing connections with our communities, including our alumni, donors, supporters and friends and strengthening this great institution. I am StoutProud and excited to be part of the team.”
Katona will begin his new role at UW-Stout on Thursday, May 1.
“We are pleased and excited to welcome Nic Katona to the UW-Stout Foundation and Alumni Association,” said Linda Funk, president of the foundation’s Board of Directors. “His experience and passion for UW-Stout is a great match. The Foundation Board looks forward to working with Nic to accomplish our goals to support the university.”
