Abilene Christian University announced the hiring of two new executives this week. Dan Macaluso is the next vice president for advancement and will begin work at ACU on Oct. 1. Blair Schroeder began recently as the chief planning officer, a newly created position.

Vice President for Advancement

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Macaluso is a senior consultant and principal in the higher education division of Marts & Lundy, where he has helped guide fundraising strategy for higher education clients including Texas A&M  University, California Institute of Technology and Loyola University Chicago.

“After conducting a national search that surfaced a significant number of candidates, Dan clearly rose to the top of the list, and I’m delighted he’s joining our team,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, president. “He has significant breadth and depth of experience in advancement and fundraising that will benefit not only our team but the entire university as well.”

Prior to Marts & Lundy, Macaluso worked in various advancement leadership roles with Harvey Mudd College (Claremont Colleges system), Emory University, The University of Texas at Austin and Penn State University, including 13 years at the vice president level.

“I feel truly blessed to be given the opportunity to join president Schubert and the incredible students, faculty and staff who make ACU an important, relevant and special place,” Macaluso said. “While the growing reputation and success of the university was a factor in my decision, it’s the strong, Christ-centered culture that hooked me. I was immediately drawn to the quality and character of the many people I met and their unwavering commitment to the ACU mission.”

Macaluso follows Jim Orr who served as vice president for advancement since 2014. Orr announced earlier this year he would step down as he moved back to the McKinney area to be closer to family ties and commitments. With the hiring of Macaluso, Orr will transition to a position leading The ACU Foundation.

Chief Planning Officer

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As chief planning officer, Schroeder will be responsible for the oversight of the university’s strategic plan and strategic initiatives, represent the Office of the President in various internal and external interactions, and provide leadership in governmental relations. 

“I believe that ACU is uniquely positioned to expand its reach and reputation in higher education without compromising its strong Christian foundation,” Schroeder said. “Having been born and raised in Abilene, I know firsthand how life-changing this community can be, and I am excited to use my talents and experiences to help fulfill the mission of this university. 

Schroeder brings a background in business leadership, management, public affairs and economic development, and he recently served as district director for Congressman Jodey Arrington. Other previous roles include working in government relations for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and serving as vice president for public affairs at Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, corporate communications manager for the Ohio and Kentucky region of Duke Energy, and as president and managing director of Sibcy Cline Core Services.

“I’ve known Blair for quite some time and have been impressed with his professionalism and skill from the first moment we met,” Schubert said. “Like Dan, Blair has a wide range of experiences and expertise that will undoubtedly help push the university forward as we boldly move into the future.”

— Wendy Kilmer

Sept. 17, 2021