UCR Newsroom

Raising Funds for UCR is Top Priority for Joel Munson

UC Riverside has a new associate vice chancellor for development.

Joel B. Munson started his career in TV news, moved into public relations and has spent the past 20 years in fundraising and campaigns for four U.S. colleges and most recently, one in England, the University of Southampton.

His first day was February 4. He reports to Vice Chancellor for Advancement Peter Hayashida and oversees private fundraising to support campus initiatives.

“Joel brings to UCR a keen understanding of how to grow a culture of philanthropy and a proven track record of accomplishments at a range of institutions,” said Hayashida. “He also embraces the culture and values of our campus, making him a terrific fit for UCR and our community.”

Before working in England, Munson was associate vice president for development at the University of Oregon, where he managed a $853 million fundraising campaign and directed annual and planned giving, special events, donor relations, prospect management and research, the corporate and foundation giving programs, and the University's constituency-based and central development office. Before this, Joel spent five years directing the first comprehensive $50 million fundraising campaign at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Before that, he raised funds for and helped establish a charter school affiliated with California State University, Los Angeles.

Munson earned his bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Communications from Brigham Young University and did additional study in intercultural communications at Barry University in Florida

Georgia Elliott had been serving in the interim role of associate vice chancellor until Munson’s arrival. She will continue to work on corporate and foundation relations.

“UCR owes Georgia a debt of gratitude for her willingness to step into a complex role during a challenging time for the campus,” Hayashida said. “The program is stronger today because of her many contributions over her years on our campus.”