The University of Illinois Springfield and the University of Illinois Foundation have announced the appointment of Gabe Cagwin, PhD, as the new vice chancellor for advancement at UIS. Cagwin will also serve as senior vice president for the University of Illinois Foundation. His appointment is subject to approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.
Cagwin joins UIS from Chapman University, where he was the vice president of development. During his tenure, he led a significant increase in fundraising activities for the university’s $500 million capital campaign. He managed all development, annual fund, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, communications and prospect research responsibilities. He also oversaw one of the university’s highest fundraising years.
“We are excited to welcome Gabe to the University of Illinois Springfield,” said UIS Chancellor Janet Gooch. “His extensive experience in advancement and commitment to higher education make him well-suited to lead our efforts in fundraising and alumni relations.”
Prior to Chapman University, Cagwin served as president and chief advancement officer at the USA Triathlon Foundation, where he achieved a 357% increase in fundraising and expanded donor participation. He led efforts to create a $20 million campaign in preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
“In addition to his accomplishments as a prolific fundraiser, Gabe’s colleagues spoke very highly of him as a person and teammate,” said University of Illinois Foundation President Jim Moore. “We look forward to welcoming Gabe and his family to our UIS and UI Foundation communities.”
Cagwin’s experience also includes roles at Tarleton State University as vice president for institutional advancement and alumni relations, where he led the university’s capital campaign, increasing overall cash fundraising by 91% and surpassing campaign goals. He has also held leadership positions at Arizona State University and UCLA, where he led capital campaigns exceeding $100 million and strengthened donor and corporate partnerships.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to work alongside Chancellor Gooch, Jim Moore and everyone involved at UIS and the Foundation and build upon their past success,” Cagwin said. “There will be high expectations, and we will work tirelessly to build a culture of philanthropy and provide the resources that our students, staff and UIS community deserve.”
Cagwin played Division I basketball at the University at Buffalo, where he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in 2002, a master’s degree in higher education in 2004 and a doctorate in higher education administration in 2006. He and his wife, Angela, have two sons, Cash, 5, and Caden, 4.