Kelly Gotschalk

As the department head for the development office, Kelly Gotschalk leads philanthropic efforts on behalf of VCU Libraries, focusing on building endowments, special projects and gift planning. She works closely with the dean of the libraries, volunteer boards and oversees a staff charged with annual fund development, stewardship and volunteer engagement. As an alumna, she brings a special understanding of the need for robust outreach to VCU’s large alumni base, which has access to lifelong library privileges after graduation.

Before joining the VCU Libraries staff in 2015, she directed annual giving and alumni engagement for the VCU School of Nursing.   

She has professional affiliations with the Academic Library Advancement and Development Network and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. She earned the CFRE designation in 2021. Among her community service activities, she has been an active volunteer with the Richmond Animal League and a Board Member of the Friends of the James River Park.   

During her tenure as development director and major gifts officer, Gotschalk has streamlined operations, improved staffing levels and increased levels of giving and the number of donors to VCU Libraries on an annual basis. 

M.A. in Art History, Virginia Commonwealth University 
B.F.A. in Sculpture, Virginia Commonwealth University