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Dale Seuferling

The longtime leader of KU Endowment plans to retire later this year, setting up a search for who will head the organization responsible for raising and managing billions of dollars for the university.

KU Endowment President Dale Seuferling told staff members Tuesday morning that he intends to retire from the position, likely this summer, after having worked for the association since 1981. He’s been the president of KU Endowment since 2002.

“It has been a true honor and privilege to partner with donors in accomplishing their goals in support of KU,” Seuferling told employees. “Some 40 years ago, I had the good fortune to match my passion for KU with a future career. Along the way, I’ve been blessed to be supported by inspirational chancellors, thoughtful volunteer leaders and a truly fantastic team of KU Endowment staff members. I could not have asked for a more rewarding career. My family and I look forward to all the good experiences that lie ahead.”

A search for the next president is already underway, KU Endowment said in a news release. The KU Endowment Board of Trustees Executive Committee, which includes KU Chancellor Douglas Girod, is working with Kansas City-based search firm EFL Associates to conduct a national search.

“Our desire is to have a successor in place by late spring or early summer so Dale can actively assist in the transition,” said Lydia Beebe, a member of the board of trustees who is serving as chair of the search committee.

Seuferling has been a part of three major fundraising campaigns conducted by KU Endowment, including the recent Far Above campaign, which raised $1.66 billion for KU Endowment, the association said.

Girod praised Seuferling’s leadership and said KU Endowment was one of the best university endowments in the country thanks to his work.

“It has been an honor to work closely with Dale in my capacities first as Executive Vice Chancellor at KU Medical Center and now as the Chancellor of the University of Kansas,” Girod said in a statement. “His calm, steady leadership, exemplified by the highest ethical standards, have shaped the culture of KU Endowment, and made it one of the highest performing organizations of its kind. His focus on professionalism, communication, accountability to our donors, and his ability to convey university priorities to our donor base has carved a legacy that will serve our university for decades to come.”

Dave Dillon, chair of KU Endowment’s Board of Trustees, also said Seuferling had helped make KU a better institution.

“I’ve worked with Dale for many years as a trustee, and can recall when he was selected President,” Dillon said. “I’ve always been amazed at how effective he is at fundraising and at leading KU Endowment. More importantly, Dale has personally set a standard of high values and devotion to KU. Many, many people have benefitted from his work, and KU is a stronger institution because of his leadership.”

Seuferling, 66, is a 1977 graduate of KU’s School of Journalism. He worked briefly in radio and in the KU Office of University Relations before joining KU Endowment in 1981 as director of public relations. By 1982, Seuferling was working as a fundraiser and eventually held the roles of director of major gifts, vice president for development and executive vice president before being named president 20 years ago.

KU Endowment invests $2.2 billion of endowed funds that it uses to support the university in ways ranging from scholarships to teaching and research positions to support for building projects and other initiatives.