The College of Arts & Letters at Michigan State University welcomes fundraising leader Shelly Deavy as its new Senior Director of Development. Deavy, an accomplished philanthropic professional with more than 20 years of experience in educational fundraising and strategic leadership, joins the college at the outset of MSU’s $4 billion Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign. Deavy began her new position on March 2, 2026.
“Shelly Deavy brings significant experience, much of it focused on the arts and humanities, and I have no doubt she will be a strong addition to our college community,” said Thomas Stubblefield, Dean of the College of Arts & Letters. “As a mission-driven leader and strategic fundraiser, she values collaboration and partnership. Shelly’s experience advancing philanthropy and leading teams through fundraising, engagement, and organizational growth will greatly benefit the College of Arts & Letters and MSU.”
Deavy has a wealth of higher education experience leading fundraising efforts in the arts and humanities. As a Senior Director of Development at the University of Cincinnati (UC) Foundation, Deavy worked with the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest among UC’s 15 academic colleges, raising multiple seven-figure gifts for endowed positions and academic programs. Following her work in Arts and Sciences, she served as Assistant Vice President of Development at the UC Foundation, overseeing development efforts for six colleges and personally raising more than $20 million in six- and seven-figure gifts toward UC’s $2 billion capital campaign.
Prior to her service at UC, Deavy was Director of Development at The George Washington University, where she raised millions of dollars for the College of Arts and Sciences during its capital campaign.
“I’m excited to join the College of Arts & Letters at MSU and return to the work I love most—partnering with academic leaders and generous donors to advance teaching, scholarship, and creative work that benefits students and our communities,” Deavy said. “As AI reshapes how we live and connect, the arts, culture, and philosophy are more essential than ever in helping us understand ourselves and what it means to be human in a technological world.”
“Shelly Deavy brings significant experience, much of it focused on the arts and humanities, and I have no doubt she will be a strong addition to our college community.”
Thomas Stubblefield, Dean of the College of Arts & Letters
Most recently, Deavy served as Assistant Vice President of Development at Northern Kentucky University (NKU), successfully leading her team in a time of leadership transition and significant financial strain for the university. Among her endeavors, she launched Women for NKU, a philanthropic engagement initiative that cultivated fundraising leadership and engagement among women professionals in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area.
In 2025, Deavy became a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, a certification from the American College of Financial Services that equips professionals to help clients create lasting legacies through strategic charitable giving. She also received a Circle of Excellence Award for the Women for NKU initiative from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. Deavy earned a Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Public Relations from the Graduate School of Political Management at The George Washington University, and B.A. in English Literature and Theater from Northern Kentucky University.
Recognized for her advancement successes and lifelong focus on empowering women in the philanthropic sector, Deavy has served in a variety of community leadership roles, including as a member of Impact 100, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Women’s Initiative Professional Series committee member, and as a member of the Horizon Community Foundation’s 410 Giving Circle.
By Morris Arvoy
