Aristide J. Collins Jr., former director of development for university projects, is GW’s new executive director of board relations and secretary of the university beginning Oct. 1.
Mr. Collins rejoins GW from Clark Atlanta University, where he served for the past three years as vice president for institutional advancement and university relations. Mr. Collins has worked in higher education since 1993, including positions at California State University, Long Beach and Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School.
“We are looking forward to having Aristide’s high-level support and guidance in the areas of trustee recruitment, engagement and retention as we develop a stellar GW board,” says W. Russell Ramsey, B.B.A. ’81, chairman of the GW Board of Trustees.
Throughout his professional career, Mr. Collins has worked with university boards, trustees and advisory board members in the areas of recruitment, governance, engagement, operations and executive-level support.
At California State University, Long Beach, Mr. Collins was responsible for a range of development initiatives including central cultivation of major gift prospects, coordinating and implementing all divisional activities of special campaigns, prospect management and research, volunteer and advisory boards, community involvement, solicitation, stewardship of major gift prospects and special fundraising events.
In 1999, Mr. Collins served as GW’s director of development for university projects, where he worked on a variety of university fundraising initiatives, including the Media and Public Affairs Building, the Lerner Health and Wellness Center and the Marvin Center.
“GW is a place that I’ve always loved,” says Mr. Collins. “I’m thrilled about the opportunity to work with President Knapp and Chairman Ramsey. It’s a phenomenal place to be, and I’m honored they asked me to come back.”
In his new position, Mr. Collins will work with the GW board and various university administrators on issues of board recruitment, strategy, compliance, staffing and best practices.
“I will work to make sure the board is connected to the campus and help board members maximize their role as ambassadors,” says Mr. Collins. “I’m excited about their leadership and the work we will do together.”
Mr. Collins holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a special certificate in educational management from California State University, Hayward and a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Long Beach.