Parker University is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Aaron Conley as its new Vice President of Advancement. Dr. Conley’s position oversees the university’s fundraising efforts and stewardship among alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations.
Dr. Conley was a fundraising practitioner, author, and teacher for three decades. He earned a doctorate in higher education and philanthropic studies from Indiana University, where he also serves as an adjunct professor for The Fund Raising School, part of the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Dr. Conley has worked in senior advancement roles at research universities like Purdue, Florida State, Colorado, and the University of Pittsburgh. In 2008, he was appointed Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Texas at Dallas. During his tenure, UTD executed the first comprehensive fundraising campaign in its history.
In 2018, after transitioning his career to consulting, Dr. Conley founded Academic Advancement Partners, which provides campaign counsel, fundraising coaching for deans and faculty, and communications services for the education sector.
Dr. Conley has published research articles and chapters on philanthropy in higher education. He is also the co-author of the book “Fundraising Principles for Faculty and Academic Leaders,” which earned the Skystone Partners Prize in 2023.
“I am so impressed with President Morgan’s vision for Parker University,” Dr. Conley says. “Under his leadership, this institution has evolved into a global leader in advancing education and research in the health professions. Parker University serves a critical niche for health and wellness in North Texas, and I’m looking forward to supporting its continued success and growth.”
Welcome to Parker University, Dr. Conley!
About Parker University
Parker University, the fourth-fastest growing college in Texas and the fastest-growing college in Dallas, was founded in 1982 by Dr. James William Parker (formerly Parker College of Chiropractic). Today, Parker University has more than 2,100 students and more than 35 academic programs, including its renowned chiropractic program, as well as master’s degrees in clinical neuroscience, strength and human performance, and functional nutrition. Currently, Parker University has the second-largest chiropractic cohort of any campus worldwide. Parker University has been recognized as an Honor Roll Institution by Great Colleges to Work For®, one of the 25 Fastest-Growing Colleges in the U.S., as a recipient of the FutureEdge 50 Awards, and as a Best Texas Online College by Forbes.
