UO's advancement VP receives national leadership award

Michael Andreasen, UO vice president for advancement, has been selected to receive the 2022 Council for Advancement and Support of Education District VIII Leadership Award at its annual district conference.

The CASE Leadership Award recognizes a CASE member institution president or head, chancellor, educational system head or CEO for outstanding efforts to promote the understanding and support of education.

Under Andreasen’s leadership, the UO recently concluded a historic fundraising campaign totaling more than $3.24 billion dollars. The campaign raised more than any previous campaign in both the university's history and throughout the state, a feat even more remarkable considering the final two years of the campaign took place during a pandemic.

“I am both honored and humbled to receive this award,” Andreasen said. “Every day I get to work with an incredible team dedicated to the UO’s mission while engaging with our passionate and visionary donors. Together we have made remarkable things possible and achieved even the most audacious goals."

Andreasen’s first role with the UO was as vice president for development in 2010. In 2013 he became vice president for university advancement. In these roles, Andreasen oversees universitywide development activities, corporate and foundation relations, government and community relations, and alumni relations. He also provided crucial guidance and support as the university transitioned to an institutional governing board in 2014.

Working closely with the president, Andreasen has made student success a defining aspect of university fundraising efforts. From the opening of the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Development to creating a hub on campus for student advising and support with Tykeson Hall, Andreasen has helped reshape campus with student success in mind.

Andreasen helped create a student internship program to attract students with a passion for diversity, equity and inclusion into the department for a one-year program, part of an effort to diversify the pipeline for future staff members. He also helped launch the Portland Internship Program, where UO students work with small businesses and nonprofits to support economic recovery and social justice in the Portland area.

Before coming to the UO, Andreasen served as assistant dean and executive director for advancement at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Prior to that, he held development roles in major gifts and campaign leadership at the University of California, Santa Barbara and the American Film Institute.

Andreasen earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at the University of California, Irvine. That is also where he began his career in annual giving as a student caller.

“Mike is an exemplar of what it means to be a great leader,” said Michael H. Schill, UO president and professor of law. “He is a connector, building relationships with faculty and staff across the university as well as with donors, alumni and other communities. He inspires his staff to tackle challenging issues and develop solutions to advance the mission of the university. His leadership and empowerment of staff has led to major progress in the area of diversity and inclusion. Perhaps more than anything, Mike is a champion and advocate for our students and their success.”