Leadership

David L. Unruh
Vice President for University Advancement

David joined GW in August 2025 from Drexel University, where he served as the Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement for over 10 years. During his tenure at Drexel, David conceived of and led a comprehensive campaign which exceeded goals, established over 300 new endowed funds, and rejuvenated and enhanced partnerships with academic leadership on fundraising. He also championed early engagement with young alumni and established new international advancement initiatives for the university.

With a career spanning more than 30 years in higher education, David has also held notable advancement leadership roles at Temple University and the University of Chicago, as well as senior fundraising positions at the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University. David has served as a trustee for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), District II. His current philanthropic work extends to serving as a trustee for the St. Christopher’s Foundation for Children and as a trustee and development committee chair for the Willistown Conservation Trust. David earned his bachelor's degree from Colby College and a master's degree from Bowling Green State University.

202-815-7579
[email protected]

Executive Leadership Council

Central Advancement Leadership

School and Unit Leadership