62: Phil Castleberry, Rochester Institute of Technology

On this episode of the podcast, Brent chats with Phil Castleberry, Vice President for University Advancement at the Rochester Institute of Technology. They cover topics like the compounding impact of building strong personal and professional relationships; how being from a military family and moving with regularity shaped Phil to be adaptable to almost any new environment; and what it’s been like to onboard remotely in his new VP capacity. Phil also reflects on how he received a full scholarship to complete his undergraduate degree at the University of Central Missouri, but never really knew (nor was taught) where the scholarship money came from until the VP of Development asked if he would be interested in managing the student phonathon program. On this episode, Phil and Brent talk about MGO salaries and whether they are proportional to the revenue that they bring into the university; the importance of portfolio transition upon a gift officer’s departure; and how cool it is that Phil has his pilot’s license and could fly himself to a donor visit.About PhilPhil Castleberry, a 20-year veteran of higher education advancement and fundraising, was named Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, now University Advancement, at Rochester Institute of Technology in February 2020. He provides strategic vision and operational leadership for all aspects of the university’s development and alumni initiatives, including oversight of a team of more than 100 professionals, as well as direction of a $1 billion blended campaign, Transforming RIT: The Campaign for Greatness, which has raised $765 million to-date.Prior to joining RIT, Phil was Vice President for Institutional Advancement at St. John Fisher College for four years where total giving increased from $3.3 million to $12.3 million annually and unrestricted giving more than tripled during his tenure. Phil also designed and launched “Fisher Forward,” the most ambitious campaign in the college’s history with a goal of $75 million. He previously served in a variety of progressively responsible roles at the University of Rochester from 2009-2016, concluding his tenure there as Associate Vice President of University Advancement. Other roles in higher education advancement include service at Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Missouri – St. Louis, William Jewell College, and the University of Central Missouri.Castleberry holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and speech communication from the University of Central Missouri as well as a master’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri — Kansas City.