Weatherly Named Executive Director of Advancement for Arts and Sciences
Dean Theresa Lee is excited to announce that Elizabeth Weatherly is the new executive director for the College of Arts and Sciences advancement team.
Weatherly joined us April 18 from the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, where she has worked as the director of advancement since 2019. She looks forward to leading the college advancement team in its mission to secure financial resources for the college and enrich the lives of students by engaging alumni and friends.
“I loved the work I did for the veterinary school, but I was intrigued by this opportunity to take on a leadership position again,” Weatherly said. “I look forward to building upon the successes of my predecessor with a fantastic team and a dean who is fabulous at fundraising.”
Weatherly has been in higher education fundraising roles for more than two decades. She received her bachelor’s in business administration from Auburn University and a master’s degree in business administration/public administration from the University of Texas at El Paso. Although her alma mater is “the other orange,” Weatherly is happy to don our orange on Big Orange Friday and show her true Volunteer Spirit.
Weatherly grew up in a university town outside Auburn, Alabama. Her mother was an educator in a poor, rural school, but there was never any question of whether Weatherly would go to college. The only question was where and what she wanted to be when she grew up.
“I grew up on a farm, so I wanted to be a veterinarian,” said Weatherly, acknowledging the irony of her childhood dream and former role with UT. “I was fortunate because my family could afford college and believed in the value of public education.”
It is that value that drives Weatherly in her work today. She spent hours after school and during the summer in her mother’s classroom and saw how educational opportunities helped the students.
“It’s one of those foundational moments you don’t realize when you are learning,” Weatherly said. “The time I spent in my mom’s classroom showed me how resources and opportunities can open the door to higher education.”
Weatherly never envisioned herself in philanthropy, but now that she is here, she could not imagine being in any other role.
“I love matching donor’s desires with a college’s or university’s need. Whether it is their first step into philanthropy or a decision to leave a legacy gift, there are so many opportunities in higher education philanthropy,” Weatherly said. “From student scholarships and faculty research support to capital projects or brick and mortar gifts, finding that sweet spot where both parties feel good about the work they are accomplishing together is why I do what I do.”