Robert Sweeney named senior vice president

President John T. Casteen III recently named Robert D. Sweeney, the University’s vice president for development since 1991, senior vice president for development and public affairs.

In November of 1999, the Office of University Relations was added to Sweeney’s vice presidential area. Since that time he has worked closely with Louise Dudley, assistant vice president for University Relations, and her staff to study the University’s communications structure, as well as the strategic brand positioning of the University.

Sweeney has spent his career in higher education, leading both public and private institutions in fund raising, public relations and strategic planning efforts. At U.Va. he has been responsible for restructuring the development effort and for the planning and implementation of the University’s $1 billion capital campaign. Under Sweeney’s leadership, the campaign surpassed all expectations and reached its goal a year ahead of schedule.