By Callie Ewing, BA ’03 MH ’22

The University of Dallas is pleased to announce the appointment of Austin Westervelt-Lutz as assistant vice president for development. In this role, he will report to Kris Muñoz Vetter, vice president for university advancement, and be responsible for UD’s major gifts, planned giving and foundation relations programs, implementing best practices of higher education advancement to support UD’s programs and strategic goals. Westervelt-Lutz will join the university in August.

Most recently, Westervelt-Lutz has served as managing director of development for Teach For America, responsible for fundraising in the Dallas/Fort Worth region and ultimately across Texas. He is a seasoned and accomplished development leader who has dedicated his career to supporting higher education for nearly 20 years, including over a decade at Southern Methodist University, and joins the team with over 15 years of diverse development experience ranging from donor relations and frontline fundraising to records and gift administration and volunteer management. 

“It is a distinct privilege to join the University of Dallas during this exciting chapter under President Sanford’s visionary leadership,” said Westervelt-Lutz. “I am genuinely enthusiastic for the opportunity to devote my gifts in service of advancing UD’s mission as the preeminent Catholic university, working alongside the distinguished faculty, staff, alumni and parents of this outstanding institution.”

The son of two university professors, Westervelt-Lutz has a deep respect for the university’s mission and a strong belief in the value of a classical liberal arts education as the vital journey that truly prepares individuals for a life of fulfillment and purpose. He holds a Master of English Literature and Rhetoric from the University of Houston and an Executive Master of Business Administration from SMU’s Cox School of Business. He and his wife, Stephanie, have lived in Dallas since 2008 and are the proud parents of Charles (9) and Beatrice (6).

“I’m delighted Austin has joined the university’s Advancement team. His extensive experience in development systems and management and success in increasing philanthropic revenue are critical to UD’s future,” said Muñoz Vetter.