West Virginia University Foundation Chairman of the Board David Hamstead today announced that president and chief executive officer F. Duke Perry will retire effective Dec. 31. A national search is being conducted to find a successor.
Duke Perry has made a significant contribution to the strength of our organization and the success of our development programs,Hamstead said.During his tenure, which began in 1999, the Foundation has experienced exceptional growth, conducted a historical capital campaign and built a new facility.
He added,Assets are now more than $755 million and the endowment is over $400 million, ranking it in the top 150 endowments among public colleges in the nation. Total revenue exceeded $100 million for the first time in the Foundation’s 50-year history, reaching $100.3 million for fiscal year 2004. The capital campaign raised in excess of $336 million to benefit the University, and included the two largest gifts ever made to the Foundation.
In addition, construction of One Waterfront Place , the Foundation’s $33.1 million, 172,000 square-foot, seven-story office building in Morgantown’s Wharf District, was completed in 2001. The Foundation occupies the seventh floor of its facility and leases, at cost, the first six floors to WVU . The building has also served as a catalyst for the renovation of the Waterfront District.
** I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve the Foundation and West Virginia University ,Perry said.It has been a wonderful experience and I thank all, especially our staff, who have helped me in the growth and success of our Foundation.
Prior to taking the WVU Foundation position, Perry was president of the George Mason University Foundation, Inc. from 1993 to 1998 and the Florida State University Foundation, Inc. from 1990 to 1993.
He also held various positions at Virginia Tech from 1967 to 1990, including associate vice president for development.
Perry earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Virginia Tech. He has served on committees of national fundraising and foundation organizations and as a consultant to universities, colleges and hospitals.
The WVU Foundation, Inc. is a private non-profit corporation that was chartered in 1954 to secure, hold and administer funds and properties given by individuals, corporations and philanthropic foundations in support of West Virginia University.