Mark Luellen has served as vice president for advancement at the University of Virginia since May 2016 and during this time, private philanthropy has nearly doubled at the University. Charged with oversight of the advancement operation, he provides leadership for advancement programs and initiatives across the University and is responsible for directing the University’s comprehensive, $5 billion philanthropy campaign—Honor the Future—which launched publicly in 2019, eclipsing the stated goal a full 18 months ahead of the campaign’s conclusion. Mr. Luellen reports to President Ryan and works with University, school, and foundation leadership to identify campaign priorities, engage alumni, parents, and friends, and execute fundraising strategies that support the University’s mission of teaching, research, clinical care, and public service. He currently serves as the president’s representative on numerous leadership boards, including various University-Associated Organizations (Architecture, Arts & Sciences, Education, UVAHealth, Commerce, and Athletics), and sits on the board of directors of the UVA Foundation. In 2020, Mr. Luellen was honored to receive the Samuel R. Crockett Award for his service to UVA-Wise.

Mr. Luellen previously served as UVA’s senior associate vice president for development (2015-2016) and as the associate vice president for development (2014-2015). In these roles, he led the University’s central development efforts, managing a team of about 80 development officers and staff, and played a lead role in planning the current campaign.

Mr. Luellen came to UVA in 2014 from Pennsylvania State University, where he served for over seven years in escalating roles that culminated in leading alumni relations, communications, and development for the College of Liberal Arts. In 2014, he received the annual McKay Donkin Award for his contributions to the “economic, physical, mental, or social welfare of the faculty” of Penn State, and in the same year, his advancement team was recognized with the Outstanding Teamwork Award in the College of Liberal Arts. Prior to Penn State, Mr. Luellen held various leadership roles for Affinity Connection, a private firm that provides alumni relations and major fundraising services to university-based affinity groups and volunteer-driven organizations on more than 60 college campuses in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand.

He and his wife, Beth Ann, and their two daughters reside in Ruckersville, VA. He received his B.A. degree in English, with a minor in elementary education, from Allegheny College. He received a graduate certificate in project management from Penn State University.