The University of Texas at Arlington has named Michael K. Kingan, a former senior vice president and chief development officer for The University of New Mexico Foundation with more than two decades of success in advancement positions, as Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations.

Kingan brings a breadth of experience to UT Arlington, having served in leadership positions at The University of New Mexico, The University of Iowa, the University of Washington School of Law and The University of Michigan Law School. Most recently, he has served as Chief Advancement Officer for the Singapore American School, which is regarded as one of the world's finest international schools serving students in pre-school through grade 12.

At UT Arlington, Kingan will lead the University's comprehensive fundraising and alumni relations efforts to engage UT Arlington's more than 190,000 alumni. Kingan will work closely with President Vistasp M. Karbhari, faculty, staff, alumni and other stakeholders to support the University's strategic vision and firmly establish the University as a pre-eminent, urban research university with global impact.

"Michael brings tremendous experience to the University based on the leadership roles that he has played at prominent institutions of higher education, and his most recent role provides an international perspective that will help our philanthropic initiatives soar," Karbhari said. "Michael also has a history of successfully integrating alumni and supporters in the life of an institution, and we will look to him to shape an active and mutually beneficial alumni relations program."

Kingan's first day will be Feb. 16.

"It is a privilege to be joining the UT Arlington leadership team, and I look forward to working with the entire community as we build higher levels of engagement for the University's alumni and supporters." Kingan said. "UT Arlington plays a critical role in preparing students to achieve their academic dreams in an increasingly global and interconnected world. The University has established a solid philanthropic base, and achieving even greater community involvement is essential to supporting the strategic mission of this world class institution."

Kingan earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Austin College in Sherman and his Master of Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. He served as an instructor in the Overseas Service Corps of the YMCA in Keelung, Taiwan before embarking on his distinguished career in philanthropy and advancement.

He has prepared and successfully launched comprehensive fundraising campaigns throughout his career and has expertise in identifying fundraising priorities, collaborating with senior University leadership and leading teams toward substantial growth in institutional support.

The leadership committee that helped recruit Kingan included Dr. Franklyn Alexander and fellow UT Arlington supporters Randy Best, founder and chairman of Academic Partnerships; Patti Diou, former president of the UT Arlington Alumni Association; and Dallas businessman Bob Utley; as well as UT Arlington and University of Texas System representatives.

Dr. Alexander said the group appreciated Kingan's strong Texas ties. Kingan and his wife Maribeth, are both Texas natives. The couple has two children, a daughter who is in high school and a son in college.

"Michael is a very good listener, and he has a gift for engaging others in the story of the University," Alexander said. "He understands that UT Arlington is ideally positioned in this thriving North Texas region, and he is the right person to help our University connect with alumni and supporters who will propel this institution to top-tier status."