DENTON (UNT), Texas — Susan Holmes, an experienced leader in nonprofit management with 17 years of experience, will oversee corporate and community relations at the University of North Texas, a Tier One public research university on the rise. Her efforts in this area are critical as UNT seeks to build additional strategic partnerships with elected officials, corporate partners and other key stakeholders in Frisco and across the North Texas region.
Holmes, whose appointment in the Office of the President is effective May 26, is charged with identifying new directions to improve UNT’s relationships and opportunities with corporate and community partners while keeping student success top of mind. She will work to promote growth of online education and student career development by securing additional internships for the university. Holmes previously served as executive director of corporate and foundation relations in UNT’s Division of University Advancement from 2016 to 2018.
“As our university strengthens our commitment to providing students with the highest-quality and innovative educational experiences possible, Susan will be a key asset in developing meaningful partnerships in Frisco and across the region. I am grateful she has agreed to return to UNT and will leverage her extensive knowledge and expertise in this new leadership role for us,” UNT President Neal Smatresk said. “Susan brings with her a robust network of established relationships who have the potential to offer our students innovative experiences that will set their educations apart and help better prepare them for the job market with important hands-on opportunities.”
Holmes said she looks forward to the challenges and opportunities of this new role. She’s eager to advance UNT’s goals and grow opportunities in Frisco that will create multifaceted impacts for UNT’s students, ranging from internship opportunities, partners in tech transfer, investments in research and philanthropic endeavors.
“UNT has a tremendous vision for Frisco — one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Now that we’re in that market and growing UNT’s presence with the new branch campus, we’re uniquely positioned to help solve the growing talent pool shortage and create direct pathways for UNT students that are well educated with immersive career experiences and job ready,” said Holmes, adding that she’s excited to return to UNT.
“The diversity of the student body and commitment of faculty and staff combined with our Tier One research university vision makes UNT a truly special place, and I’m thrilled to be coming back to such a collaborative environment with supportive leadership to help bring these initiatives to the next level.”
ABOUT SUSAN HOLMES
Susan Holmes is an industry leader in nonprofit management with 17 years of experience. For the last three years, Holmes has served at the Greenhill School in Addison as chief advancement officer. As a member of the administrative team overseeing development, alumni relations, marketing and communications, she led a $60 million capital campaign, worked closely with the board of trustees, campaign steering committee, major donors and academic leaders to advance the school’s priorities.
Previously, Holmes served as executive director of corporate and foundation relations in UNT’s Division of University Advancement from 2016 to 2018, successfully connecting UNT to a number of regional and national partners. Through her work, Holmes also helped build campus culture around the strategic and successful approach to translating research and development programs into corporate partnerships, which have advanced the university’s Tier One research mission and created opportunities for students.
Prior to her time in education, Holmes served as vice president of client solutions for Pursuant, a fundraising agency in Dallas. From 2004 to 2015, she dedicated her career to the American Heart Association, first as corporate events coordinator, then as a regional vice president at three mid-metro markets in Indiana — Lafayette, Muncie and Kokomo — landing as executive director of the Indianapolis board of directors. In 2012, she transitioned to executive director of the Dallas division, where she managed a $10 million metro campaign — the largest in the country for the nonprofit — and was responsible for business strategy, fundraising, marketing and branding, advocacy, program development and communication with the board of directors.
Holmes earned her bachelor’s degree with a double major in marketing and management and a minor in international business from Indiana University in 1998.