February 20, 2014

 

Contacts:

Jon Egeland or Jeanne Moller, MSUB Foundation, 657-2244
Aaron Clingingsmith, University Relations, 657-2243

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — The Board of Trustees of Montana State University Billings Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of Chuck Wendt as the next MSUB Foundation President and CEO.

 

Mr. Wendt was chosen after a national search and will begin his duties on March 4, 2014. “The selection committee is very pleased Chuck has agreed to join and lead the Foundation team,” noted Board chair Tim Schruth. “The search committee was impressed by his commitment to and passion for education. Wendt quickly rose to the top of a group of extraordinarily qualified candidates. We believe that he is the right fit for the Foundation, the University, and the community.”

 

As president and CEO, Wendt will play a key role in the overall efforts of the Foundation to advance the goals of Montana State University Billings through the solicitation, investment, and stewardship of financial support. Currently, the primary goal of MSU Billings Foundation is to secure $5 million for an expanded and renovated allied health and science building (Yellowstone Hall) that will house faculty from both the sciences and allied health professions when complete. The $5 million goal is required by the state legislature as a condition of a $10 million appropriation.

 

Wendt is a true westerner, born and raised in Colorado. He has a Bachelor’s degree in business and an MBA from the University of Denver. Prior to his career in fundraising, he spent 20 years in corporate life and served as director of marketing for a Fortune 500 corporation. Wendt was the founder and president of a hospital foundation in South Carolina. Wendt brings with him a track record of fundraising success in all areas and expertise in team-building and organizational development. His considerable experience in fundraising for science and higher education led him to apply for and accept the position at MSUB.

 

Wendt fills the position vacated by Ms. Marilynn Miller, who successfully held the position for nearly 14 years. She retired at the end of December, 2013.

 

For more information about the MSU Billings Foundation please visit www.msubillings.edu/foundation.