University of La Verne Announces New VP

The following was submitted for publication by the University of La Verne:

After an extensive national search, the University of La Verne has announced that Myra Garcia will be the incoming Vice President for University Advancement, effective, the latest, June 1, 2013.

Garcia will be replacing current Vice President Jean Bjerke, who is scheduled to retire this spring.

“Myra joins our university with more than 20 years of professional higher education experience and anextensive background in institutional advancement, fundraising, and alumni relations,” said Universityof La Verne Board of Trustees Chair Luis Faura. “She is exactly what our university needs to further ourefforts in each of these areas.”

Garcia’s acceptance of the offer will require a cross-country move for her and her family, who currently reside in New Jersey.  Her past experience includes recently serving as Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Wagner College in New York City, where she led and successfully met and exceeded a $50 million comprehensive campaign.

In the field of Advancement, aside from private consulting, she has also held Development positions at Seton Hall University, including serving as second in commandas well as being the lead fundraiser for a comprehensive campaign that exceeded a $150 million.

“I am honored and also excited to lead the university’s Advancement efforts,” said Garcia. “The opportunity to work with an inspired, transformational president, a talented senior management team, committed alumni and trustees, and a dedicated staff, is one that does not come along everyday. The more I learn about La Verne, the more I realize that the university's mission is my own personal mission. As the daughter of Cuban immigrants and someone who is a first-generation college graduate, I also believe deeply in: giving back to the community and society, life-long learning, diversity and inclusivity.”

Garcia’s educational background includes earning her bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and her master’s degree from Seton Hall University. Before entering the advancement field, Myra was a nationally-recognized professional opera singer and musician.

“As we prepare to implement our 20/20 Strategic Vision, coupled with priorities for an upcomingcomprehensive campaign, Ms. Garcia’s talents, expertise and leadership will be essential as we moveforward,” said La Verne President Dr. Devorah Lieberman. “I am highly confident that she will be an inspirational and aspirational leader in our University Advancement Department and well serve our remarkable institution.”