NKU Announces Shelly Deavy as Next Assistant Vice President of Development

Sept. 1, 2022 - Northern Kentucky University announces that Shelly Deavy (’00) will be the next assistant vice president (AVP) of Development, beginning on Sept. 12.

Deavy comes to NKU from the University of Cincinnati Foundation, where she served as assistant vice president of development. As AVP, Deavy focused on strategic leadership of fundraising programs for multiple colleges at the University of Cincinnati, as well as the foundation relations function, contributing to the success of UC’s $2 billion Next, Now campaign. During her tenure, colleges under her leadership raised more than $108 million. 

“With Shelly’s impressive fundraising record and as an alum with love for Norse Nation I am confident in her ability to take NKU’s development and fundraising program to the next level,” Eric Gentry, NKU vice president of advancement, said. “Her experience and insight will help advance the university and ensure that our students, faculty and staff have the resources to be successful on campus, in the community and in life.” 

Prior to her role as assistant vice president of development at the University of Cincinnati Foundation, Deavy served as senior director of development for UC’s largest college, the College of Arts and Sciences. Deavy has also worked in development and membership roles in the Washington D.C. area, including at Public Affairs Council, The George Washington University, Alexandria Country Day School and Georgetown University. Deavy will lead a department that just successfully completed the largest campaign in NKU’s history, Further, Faster: The Campaign for NKU. 

Deavy is no stranger to NKU as she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and theater at NKU. She also served on the Alumni Board of Directors from Sept. 2016 through May 2022. Deavy has a Master of Professional Studies degree in strategic public relations from The George Washington University. 

“In many ways, my life began at NKU. I met my husband 25 years ago on my first day of classes as a third-year transfer student, and the experiences and opportunities I enjoyed during my time at the university set the stage for my personal and professional success,” Deavy said. “I am thrilled and honored to join a tremendous team of leaders at NKU to build upon the recent success of the Further, Faster campaign.” 

To learn more about University Development and Giving, click here.