University Names Rita Walters Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement

Rita L. Walters has been appointed Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement at Montclair State University, effective July 17, 2023.

She will oversee all aspects of Montclair’s development operation, which includes major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, alumni engagement, annual giving and donor relations, and the Montclair State University Foundation.

“Rita’s reputation for creativity and entrepreneurship, combined with her passion for social justice, community engagement and collaboration will help Montclair State University continue to forge ahead on our journey toward becoming the model of a 21st-century, public-serving research university,” says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell.

Walters has more than 20 years of experience raising funds for higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Development and Alum Relations at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. She has also served as the chief development officer for Catholic Charities of Maryland, Maryland Institute College of Art and the Washington National Cathedral, and worked as Senior Associate Director of Development for Johns Hopkins University and Director of Development for the Baltimore Presbytery. Over her career, she has secured more than $85 million in total commitments.

Walters joins Montclair at a pivotal time in its history, one in which its national recognition and reputation is growing and enrollment is at record highs. She will be tasked with helping Montclair become the model of a 21st-century, public-serving research university by further engaging its current donors and its more than 130,000 alumni, and by recruiting new philanthropic partners that share a commitment to the University’s mission of accessibility, excellence and civic engagement.

“I am truly excited to embark on this journey with Montclair State University and be part of shaping a future where philanthropy becomes a driving force for creating transformative experiences for students, faculty and donors themselves,” says Walters. “As a first generation college graduate, I am deeply aware of the life-changing impact that education can have on a generation of scholars. Having witnessed firsthand how philanthropic investment can change lives and open doors of opportunity, I am deeply honored to contribute my expertise in engaging our vast network of current alums and new philanthropic partners. Along with the team, we will continue to cultivate a culture of giving that not only fuels academic excellence but also empowers students to thrive and make a positive impact on society.

“President Koppell’s vision for expanding the University’s reach and impact is inspiring, and I am eager to work with him and his leadership team, and with our volunteer leaders, the deans, the faculty and staff, and the Development and Alumni Engagement team. We will do great things together, I am sure.”

Walters holds a master’s degree and graduate certificate from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and graduated from Arts High School, where she majored in theater. She continues to enjoy going to the theater when she is not spending time with her husband and two young-adult sons.

For more information on giving to Montclair State University, visit montclair.edu/giving.