UW-Green Bay’s Desotell named Director of Development
Kimberly Desotell
Kimberly Desotell will begin her new duties Wednesday, Aug. 27. Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement Jeanne Stangel announced the appointment today (Monday, Aug. 11) following the conclusion of a national search.
Desotell currently serves as director of UW-Green Bay’s award-winning Phuture Phoenix program, and also serves as coordinator for UW-Green Bay’s Professional Development Certificate Program. Phuture Phoenix partners with schools with high percentages of students from low-income families and encourages students to graduate from high school and pursue a college education. Under her leadership, the program has grown tremendously to include more tutoring, mentoring and relationship-building opportunities for area youngsters. To date, it has served more than 12,000 students, and has been replicated at Western Washington University (Bellingham, Wash.), UW-Eau Claire and Silver Lake College (Manitowoc).
“Through her experience and leadership with Phuture Phoenix, Kim has established meaningful relationships with UW-Green Bay students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as the broader community,” Stangel said. “Her strong background in education and exceptional donor stewardship skills, coupled with her energy and clear passion for this institution, will position Kim for success in this critical role. We are thrilled to have her on board.”
Desotell’s responsibilities will include a lead role in pursuing major gifts on behalf of the University, alumni giving, planned giving, prospect and donor analysis, gift and donor stewardship, and supervision of alumni, donor relations and annual giving. She will also assist in shaping the Advancement Division’s comprehensive development plan and serve a major role in helping attain the University’s campaign goals and initiatives.
Desotell earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from St. Mary’s College (Ind.) and her master’s degree in administration and instructional leadership from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in administrative leadership and urban education at UW-Milwaukee. Desotell was a classroom teacher for 12 years and a middle school principal for six, fostering educational interests that include leadership, teacher development, mentoring and instructional leadership. Forging relationships between K-12 and postsecondary education has remained a priority for Desotell as she has embraced leadership, fundraising, educational and other roles as director of Phuture Phoenix. She has a lengthy record of institutional service at UW-Green Bay.
In the community, Desotell serves on the Brown County New North Educational Attainment Committee; Notre Dame Academy Curriculum and Student Life Committee; Brown County United Way Children and Families Workgroup; Brown County United Way Education Outcomes Panel and St. John the Evangelist Church Parish Council. Her prior community involvement has included work with the St. Norbert College Collaboration of Teacher Educators’ Advisory Council; Scholarships, Inc. Green Bay; and Green Bay Area Public Schools Promise Neighborhoods Committee. She is a member of several professional organizations.
Desotell succeeds Jeanne Stangel, who in April was promoted to the position of Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement. Stangel had held the assistant chancellor position on an interim basis since the departure of Beverly Carmichael in July 2013.
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