Luehrsen Named Assistant Vice President at University at Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Althea Luehrsen, executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) in the University at Buffalo School of Management since 2001, has been named assistant vice president of corporate and foundation relations at the university.

In her new role, she will assist UB faculty and administrators in building mutually beneficial relationships between the university and corporate and foundation contributors. She will seek private support, primarily through major gifts, and generate greater understanding, commitment and financial support from corporations and foundations for the teaching, research and service missions of the university.

"We are pleased to have a leader of Althea's caliber to serve in this capacity," said Kathryn R. Costello, UB vice president of development. "She brings significant fundraising experience to the position, including service on the boards of many local organizations."

"I have been at UB for seven years," said Luehrsen, "and this position is a natural fit for me. I am eager to develop a stronger network of corporate and foundation support for UB's vision, values and strategic initiatives."

As executive director of CEL, Luehrsen expanded programs and developed corporate support for the center and the School of Management. During her tenure, she enabled CEL to become self-funded through a combination of tuition, fees and fundraising.

Before joining UB, Luehrsen was engaged in various leadership sales roles in the hospitality industry and created and ran her own business. She serves on the boards of the Western New York affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Charter School for Applied Technologies, and is president of the Buffalo Niagara Sales & Marketing Executives.

A resident of Williamsville, she holds an associate's degree from Erie Community College and a bachelor's degrees and master's degree. from SUNY Empire State College. In 2006 she won the Women Who Mean Business award and was a nominee in 2006 and 2007 for the Athena Award.