“Fundraising is not about donation, its about making a difference…Economic Development is realized only through transforming lives of people in the community and social well-being”

– Magesh T. Rajan

Fundraising & Development

I have demonstrated experience in fundraising and development. I am certain that universities, instead of relying on their core funding, greatly benefit from diversifying their income sources such as through fundraising and development. These additional funds help finance projects and activities that the core funding can’t. They can help extend and strengthen the university’s research programs or better the learning environment so that all students can prosper. I have collaborated closely with the University Foundation for fundraising and donor engagement. I am trained in fundraising, and Donor & Alumni Engagement, and built relationship with donors.

  • I have led the management and distribution of $2.3 Million in fundraising development funds in total.
  • Led the management and awarding of $400,000 funds for student scholarships.
  • Led the management, allocation, and awarding $1.5 Million foundation funds for professorships.
  • Led the management, allocation, and awarding $200,000 foundation funds for institutional support.
  • Raised over $400,000 in cash donations and raised nearly $1M in in-kind donations.
  • Leading a major alumni engagement campaign for the 100-year anniversary of the department for $1M target.
  • Led a fundraising event in support of a faculty member from alumni and community.
  • Raised faculty support funding from private organizations and industries
  • Led a community-based fundraising event for pediatric cancer research and raised $50,000 in a single event.

Financial & Business Affairs

Successfully demonstrated effective leadership in budgeting and fiscal management in the public state university system to enhance institutions mission and overall operation. I was a founder and CEO of multiple successful start-up companies. I am trained in financial specialization through Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and Harvard’s Financial Leadership certificate.

  • As the Vice President, I provided fiscal leadership and management for over $100 Million portfolio across 15 departments, research centers and institutes, with 63 FTEs serving over 9,000 students with nearly 1,300 faculty and staff in 36 B.S., 31 M.S., and 5 Ph.D. programs across 8 Colleges at PVAMU.
  • Demonstrated bold and resilient leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the research operations with minimal impact on the research enterprise’s growth.
  • Developed and presented annually the strategic fiscal year budget in support of faculty, staff and student centered programs and operations and infrastructure support.
  • Previously managed $4+ Million fiscal budget for multiple years as the Director and Head of Academic unit. Effectively managed budget and spending monitoring, encumbrances and projected expenses, revenues, analyzing financial reports and ensure compliance with state and university regulations.
  • Successfully balanced the budget at the end of the fiscal year without any deficit. Demonstrated a growth of 125% in the operating budget for responsible programs through demonstrated performance and reinvested the growth revenues for further expansion and excellence. Increased overall budget by 86% in support of facility and infrastructure upgrades.
    1. Previously, effectively managed a $4M budget in support of full-time and part-time faculty/staff salaries, operations, graduate assistantships, laboratory support, professional development, recruitment, marketing, outreach, student support, and additional support for innovative initiatives.
    2. Demonstrated a growth of 125% in budget support for responsible programs through demonstrated performance and reinvested the growth revenues for further expansion and excellence. Increased overall budget by 86% in support of facility and infrastructure upgrades.
    3. Effectively managed budget and spending monitoring, monthly encumbrances and projected expenses, revenues, analyzing financial reports, and ensure compliance with state and university regulations. Successfully balanced the budget at the end of the fiscal year without any deficit.

Economic Development

As a higher education leader, I understand the importance of economic prosperity extends far beyond the institution in to the community and the region it serves. It is important for higher education institutions leaders know, measure, tell, and enhance their economic and community development impact while recognizing institutions that have demonstrated a substantive, sustainable, and institution-wide commitment to and strategy for regional economic engagement, growth, and economic opportunity. I have deep passion and drive to have a broader impact of the university on the community and the region.

  • Inducted to the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities — APLU 2020-2021 Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) cohort for a prestigious national recognition and standing.
  • Created Economic Development Advisory Board with leaders from government officials, industry, and investors.
  • Leading a 50 acre $100 Million innovation corridor design and development for regional economic development.
  • Leading a $10 Million Innovation Commercialization Center for Entrepreneurs (ICCE).
  • Established strong partnerships with Small Business Development Center, Cooperative Extension, and Community and Economic Development Offices.
  • Established partnerships with ED organizations in four counties in the Greater Houston area for PVAMU’s economic impact of $766 million on the State of Texas with 5,300 jobs created and with a $3.9 Billion long-term impact.
  • Previously, served as the Commercial Technology Reviewer for Governor Perry’s Texas Emerging Technology.