Following a comprehensive national search of qualified candidates, Marymount University has appointed Terry Mularkey as its new Vice President for University Advancement. He will officially begin his duties on Thursday, October 31.
Mularkey will play a leading role in re-engineering the Office of University Advancement, which encompasses all areas of development and alumni engagement, to support Marymount’s ambitious goals and to build on its significant momentum in relation to its five-year Strategic Plan. Reporting to the University President, Dr. Irma Becerra, Mularkey will provide strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of the University’s fundraising, external and alumni engagement efforts and serve as a key member on Dr. Becerra’s cabinet.
The candidate search, coordinated by Storbeck/Pimental & Associates, LP, lasted about four months.
“Every person involved on the search committee, from the board members to the leadership team, was positive about the direction Marymount is headed, as well as the University’s potential,” Mularkey said. “I am most excited about the opportunity to work for a University that shares the same values that I have. I’m looking forward to helping make a difference in the lives of Marymount students, faculty, staff and alumni.”
“I am proud of the search committee’s recommendations and support for Terry Mularkey,” Dr. Becerra said. “He has a great passion for fundraising, and an outstanding ability to connect with potential donors. It is critical to have a seasoned advancement professional on our staff, and I believe we found the perfect fit.”
Most recently, Mularkey served in a variety of roles at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., including as Chief of Staff in the President’s Office and Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Community Relations. He joined NSU in 2014 as Executive Director for Development and Community Relations, and led the “Realizing Potential Campaign,” which was completed three years early and raised $260 million. Mularkey was responsible for NSU exceeding its annual fundraising goals for the past five years, and oversaw the largest gift in the university’s history.
He previously held executive-level positions at The Citadel Foundation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Father Lopez High School. Prior to starting his fundraising career, Mularkey served in the U.S. Army for 21 years and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He managed staffs at every level in the military, including The Joint Staff in the Pentagon, and served in leadership positions on deployments in Italy, Germany, Panama, Grenada, Turkey and Iraq.
His numerous awards and qualifications include the Legion of Merit, the Joint Meritorious Service Medal (3x), the Department of Defense Humanitarian Service Medal (3x), the U.S. Army Ranger Tab, the U.S. Army Special Forces Tab, Master Parachutist Wings and the U.S. Army Aviator Wings.
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Mularkey graduated from Mercer University and holds a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, as well as the Armed Forces Staff College. His wife, Nancy, received a master’s degree in Education from Marymount and teaches English.
