The University of Delaware welcomed Beth Brand, AS95, as its new vice president of development and alumni relations on July 11, 2025. Appointed to the position by Interim President Laura Carlson, Brand most recently served as UD’s vice president and university secretary since April 2020. 

“Beth brings a dynamic mix of experience, expertise and vision to our alumni engagement and philanthropic operations,” said Carlson. “As an alumna, a Double Del and a Blue Hen parent, Beth is deeply committed to the University and its mission. I look forward to working closely with her in this role.” 

Development and Alumni Relations is familiar territory for Brand, who led the UD development operation from 2007 to 2020, holding the positions of associate vice president, interim vice president and senior associate vice President for Development. During her tenure, the University more than quadrupled fundraising results from $26 million in fiscal year 2008 to $102.6 million in fiscal year 2019.

“I am absolutely thrilled to return to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations in this role,” said Brand. “I have experienced firsthand the passion and loyalty of our alumni and the generosity and commitment of our entire donor community. I look forward to working with all our constituents to advance UD and engage alumni in the life of the University.”  

Prior to her time at UD, Brand spent 11 years at the University of Pennsylvania where she began her development career at Carey Law School. In 2002, Brand joined Wharton External Affairs and served in several fundraising roles including as a gift officer in the New England region and as Director of Major Gifts. 

“The transformative power of philanthropy has been at the core of my work and my career. At Penn and at UD, I have seen philanthropic gifts fuel the discoveries that alter the course of lives, industries and the world,” said Brand. “Together with the terrific team in DAR, we will continue to drive giving in support of UD’s students, faculty and campus.”  

Brand earned a B.A. in French and International Relations and a minor in History from the University of Delaware in 1995. Beth serves on the Board of Delaware Prosperity Partnership and is a Member of the Board of Governors for the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

Brand and her husband, Russell, BE10M, share two daughters and reside in Newark, Delaware. They are proud Blue Hen parents.