University of Nevada, Reno, Vice President for University Advancement

The University of Nevada, Reno (Nevada) has named Tracy Ostrem as vice president for university advancement, effective April 1, 2025. Ostrem brings to the role more than 30 years of advancement experience with comprehensive campaign management at leadership levels with a well-established history of record-setting performance in higher education. In this role, reporting to President Brian Sandoval and serving as a key member of his senior leadership team, Ostrem will be a dynamic presence in engaging individuals and organizations in the local community and beyond about the pivotal role the university plays in realizing an exciting future for Nevada. 

Ostrem’s advancement career launched at her alma mater, Washington State University, beginning a meaningful journey that eventually led her to the University of Washington (UW). During her 25 years at UW, Ostrem has led units in the execution of two major university-wide fundraising campaigns, the $2.7 billion “Creating Futures” campaign and the $6.3 billion “Be Boundless” campaign. During the former, she received national recognition for successfully leading the campaign for the top-ranked School of Nursing and tripling their philanthropic support. For the latter, Ostrem was responsible for the successful execution of the College of Arts & Science’s most ambitious fundraising campaign to date, nearly raising $600 million, doubling fundraising levels from the college’s previous campaign. 

Since 2022, Ostrem has served as principal for the Ostrem Leadership Group, which has collaborated with universities and nonprofit organizations in meeting immediate and long-term fundraising needs. Ostrem has been actively involved with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) as a member of the District VIII Board of Directors, 2015 Conference Chair, and the 2012 Program Track Chair for Major Gifts. 

Ostrem earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University. 

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Rachel Ellenport led this search with Nicole Poe, Christina Garrison, and Megan Gorman.