University Advancement Team

Betsy Mennell

Vice President, University Advancement
801-626-6002 • betsymennell@weber.edu

Betsy Mennell leads the University Advancement division, which includes Advancement Services, Alumni Relations, Development, Economic Development, Government Relations, Marketing & Communications and University Events. Betsy worked at Northern Arizona University (NAU), most recently as Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement and President of the NAU Foundation. She has more than 20 years of development experience, including United Way/Capital Area, St. Edward’s University and Regis University. Betsy holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Arts in Human Services from St. Edward’s University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Political Science from Saint Mary’s College. 

 

Helen Fink

Administrative Associate to the VP for Advancement and Research Coordinator
801-626-6002 • hfink@weber.edu

Helen Fink started her 91¶ÌÊÓƵ career in the President's Office in 2003. She moved to Marketing & Communications (formerly University Communications) in 2005, and then into her current role in 2019. She provides administrative support to the VP for University Advancement and the Director of Economic Development. 

 

 

 

Nancy Collinwood

Executive Director,
801-626-6885 • ncollinwood@weber.edu

Nancy B. Collinwood is the Executive Director of Alumni Relations and enjoys working and reconnecting with alumni. Nancy is a former 91¶ÌÊÓƵ student body officer, homecoming queen and Crystal Crest Personality of the Year who joined the university professionally in 1998. She was director of Student Involvement and Leadership and associate director of the Shepherd Union for 12 years. She has been involved with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VII Board of Directors and is a member of the CASE UT board. She is also host and chairwoman of the 2016 and 2021 CASE District VII Annual Conferences. Nancy is on many local boards and committees and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Technical Sales from 91¶ÌÊÓƵ and a Master of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University.

 

John Kowalewski

Executive Director, Marketing & Communications
801-626-7212 • jkowalewski@weber.edu

As executive director of Marketing & Communications, John Kowalewski leads a talented team of writers, designers, project managers and creative individuals who market and advance the Weber State story through print, the web and video. He joined Weber State in 2001 as director of Media Relations, serving as the spokesperson for the university, publicizing and promoting 91¶ÌÊÓƵ news, and advising students, faculty, staff and administrators on how to interact with media. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Kowalewski worked as a journalist in television, print and online for 12 years before joining 91¶ÌÊÓƵ. His past employers include NBC News in Washington, D.C. (1989–1995) and the Standard-Examiner in Ogden (1995–2001).

 

Carol Ruden

Executive Director, University Advancement Services
801-626-7135 • cruden@weber.edu

Carol Ruden started her career with 91¶ÌÊÓƵ in November 1998. Her current assignment is Executive Director of Advancement Services. Carol and her team support 91¶ÌÊÓƵ by fostering relationships with university alumni, donors and friends and by providing information services and the infrastructure that supports fundraising and engagement activities for the University Advancement Division. Carol is currently a member of several campus committees such as the University Data & Analytics Committee, Information Security Task Force and the Banner & General Person Team. During her tenure at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, Carol has been involved with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and has presented at many Banner-driven conferences. She arrived in Utah in 1996 and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University (1991). 

 

Becky Thompson

Event Coordinator
801-626-6468 • rthompson1@weber.edu

Event Coordinator Becky Thompson is responsible for leading, planning and executing special events for the university, President’s Office, and the Division of University Advancement. Specific events include commencement exercises, the annual summer fireworks and pops concert, and other events and activities that engage, cultivate and steward prospects, donors and community stakeholders. Becky joined Weber State’s Alumni Relations office in 1998. She held several positions, including Associate Alumni Director, before moving to the Athletics Department in 2007 to become the Executive Director of the Wildcat Club. In 2017, Becky joined the University Advancement team to oversee events that support the university mission.