Dr. Eric Constant was appointed Vice President for Philanthropy on August 7, 2023. With two decades of fundraising experience, Dr. Constant oversees all university philanthropic activity supporting the building of Walsh 4.0.
As Vice President for Philanthropy, Dr. Constant represents Walsh University in the community, leads a capital campaign, and is planning and executing a comprehensive development plan to increase capacity and drive revenue by securing external support for the University through campaigns, annual giving, major gifts, planned giving and other programs. Among his priorities is creating a culture of philanthropy and gratitude that builds on the generous local support Walsh has appreciated for more than 60 years. He also leads a team of professionals inspired to expand Walsh’s philanthropic base beyond traditional sources of support.
Prior to Walsh, he served as chief development officer at Dynamic Catholic Institute in Erlanger, Kentucky, where he directed efforts that raised $25M annually, including a capital campaign and a comprehensive philanthropy strategy that resulted in a substantial number of new recurring donors and annual gift support, maintaining high retention rates and adding significantly to the major gifts pipeline. He also grew multiple channels of fundraising revenue. Previous roles include Development Director for John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Senior Director of Development at Catholic Extension in Chicago, Illinois, and Assistant Director, University Research at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.
In addition to his Advancement roles in higher education and two national Catholic organizations, Dr. Constant has presented at national and international conferences, he’s a published academic, and has taught at Grand Valley State University and Michigan State University.
Dr. Constant earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts in History from Northwestern University and a Doctorate from Michigan State University in Medieval Religious and Intellectual History.
