Berkeleyan
Scott Biddy named University Relations vice chancellor
As second-in-command to outgoing VC McQuade, he oversaw last year's record-breaking fundraising totals
| 01 November 2006
Scott Biddy has been named vice chancellor for University Relations to replace Donald McQuade, following a nationwide search, Chancellor Birgeneau announced last week.
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 Scott Biddy (Peg Skorpinski photo) |
Biddy, 42, currently is the associate vice chancellor for University Relations. Along with McQuade he has been responsible for guiding Berkeley's fundraising efforts. In his new position, Biddy will lead both fundraising and public affairs for the campus, overseeing a staff of 215 employees and an operating budget of $21.4 million. His appointment is effective Dec. 1.
In addition to guiding the campus's central development office, Biddy will work with academic units, athletics, and the arts to facilitate a collaborative approach to building support for Berkeley among its many external constituents.
For the past two years the Berkeley campus has set records for private support. In the 2005-06 fiscal year, alumni, parents, and friends contributed $347.6 million, breaking the previous campus record of $318.3 million set in 2004-05.
"I am delighted that Scott Biddy will take on the demanding role of vice chancellor for University Relations," said Birgeneau. "He is deeply committed to UC Berkeley and its public mission. He has a track record of impressive accomplishment and is dedicated to raising public awareness, understanding, and philanthropy related to that mission.
"We undertook a comprehensive national search to ensure that Berkeley would have the kind of leadership required in the increasingly competitive and highly demanding areas of university fundraising and public affairs. Scott brings exceptional professional skills and has garnered the highest respect of his colleagues, as well as of Cal's donors, alumni, and friends," said Birgeneau.
 Scott Biddy (right) was "introduced" to his University Relations colleagues by outgoing Vice Chancellor Don McQuade at a Monday-morning gathering. (Deborah Stalford photo) |
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Biddy will succeed McQuade, who announced in June his plans to step down as vice chancellor after nearly eight years. A highly respected professor of English at Berkeley, McQuade plans to return to teaching and research in the English department.
"Scott Biddy's appointment signals an important new milestone in developing a culture of philanthropy at Berkeley," said McQuade. "His intelligence, commitment, and professionalism will lead Cal into a new era of support, which will reinforce Berkeley's position at the forefront of public higher education."
Among the vice chancellor's Among the vice chancellor's responsibilities is to serve as president of the University of California, Berkeley Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation with assets of $984.7 million that raises, invests, and administers donations to the campus.
"We could not be more pleased with this appointment," said Bob O'Donnell, chair of the foundation board. "Scott Biddy brings an unmatched combination of experience at Cal with the highest level of professional expertise."
Biddy also will oversee the campus's Office of Public Affairs, which is responsible for campus publications and communications, media relations, visitor services, and parent programs. Its products include the Berkeleyan and the online campus NewsCenter.
"It is deeply gratifying to be asked to serve this institution in this new role," said Biddy. "UC Berkeley means a great deal to me, and I have learned so much from my colleagues here, most notably from Don McQuade.
"I believe that the years ahead will be enormously productive for us as we more fully engage with the communities we serve, and who serve us so well in return."
As the associate vice chancellor for University Relations, Biddy has been responsible for managing the campus's central development operation, including corporate and foundation relations, communications, operations, and events. In addition to the records set for total funds donated, the past year also resulted in a record number of gifts to Berkeley.
"As Chancellor Birgeneau says, we must seek private philanthropy in order to fulfill our public mission. Our alumni and friends who have so generously supported Cal with their time and resources are deeply committed to that mission," said Biddy.
Biddy came to Berkeley in 2002 from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where he was associate vice president for university development. His career in fundraising and alumni relations followed several years in banking and began at his alma mater, Rice University in Houston. There he first worked as executive director of the Association of Rice Alumni; in 1996 he moved into the development office as its associate vice president before being promoted to interim vice president of university advancement.
In his new position, Biddy will earn an annual base salary of $260,000. Additional details about his compensation are available at the UC Regents' salaries-and compensation website, www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/compensation/salaryactions.