Brian Otis was named vice president for University Advancement in September 2021. He oversees all fundraising, alumni relations, prospect management, and donor relations initiatives.
An accomplished fundraiser and senior philanthropy executive, Brian joined the University from the University of Connecticut Foundation, where he spent two decades, most recently serving as vice president for principal and planned gifts for the last five years.
At UConn, Brian dramatically expanded the principal gift pipeline at the $1 million and up gift level, secured UConn's second largest principal gift of $22.5 million, and was responsible for working with key leaders, including the president, provost, athletic director, deans, and foundation board members, to help build and strengthen relationships with the foundation's largest donors. His leadership in advancement during more than two decades helped increase the University's endowment from just over $50 million to more than $500 million.
See MorePrior to being named vice president for principal and planned gifts at the UConn Foundation, Brian spent six years as vice president for development. During that time, he led the foundation's fundraising campaign to construct a $35 million on-campus basketball practice facility, accounting for the most private dollars raised for any capital project on campus.
Before joining UConn, he started his career in fundraising as a development officer at Cheshire Academy, where he recruited a volunteer leadership group that raised more than $5 million to construct the first privately funded academic building at the school. He has served as a member of Cheshire Academy's Board of Trustees since 2016.
Brian earned a bachelor's degree in history from Castleton University in Vermont and an executive MBA from the University of Connecticut.
In the Media
Brian Otis, vice president of university advancement, discusses the many benefits of philanthropy, including improvement to individuals’ own health and the community.
In the Media
Brian Otis, vice president of university advancement, encourages donors to be mindful that the academic environments created on college campuses have a longstanding history of fostering debate and the rigorous exchange of ideas.
In the Media
Brian Otis, vice president of advancement, says donors recognize the importance of college accessibility and the impact their donations make on deserving students.
In the Media
Brian Otis, vice president for advancement, wrote an op-ed on the importance of giving this holiday season.
In the Media
Alice Fischer, professor of computer science, talks about a significant gift she and her husband made to the University to establish an endowed chair in computer science. Brian Otis, vice president for advancement, says the $2 million gift will be used to develop a legacy of devotion to teaching.