Milwaukee School of Engineering has appointed Kristen Mekemson as vice president of university advancement. Mekemson brings more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, fundraising and strategic leadership to MSOE, with a proven track record of driving transformational campaigns and fostering inclusive donor engagement.

“Kristen’s exceptional experience and commitment to building strong teams and meaningful relationships will be instrumental in advancing MSOE’s mission, strategic priorities and the Next Bold Step campaign,” said Dr. Eric Baumgartner, president of MSOE. “Her leadership will help us strengthen partnerships, grow alumni and corporate engagement, and inspire others to support MSOE’s talented students, faculty and staff.”

In her role at MSOE, Mekemson will serve as the chief fundraising strategist and support President Baumgartner and other campus leaders in the cultivation and stewardship of stakeholders, increase the culture of philanthropy and drive strategic growth in fund development and alumni engagement. She also will ensure the success of the Next Bold Step: MSOE’s Campaign to Accelerate Innovation, the university’s first comprehensive campaign.

Mekemson joins MSOE from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, where she served as vice president of development and philanthropic services. She led the foundation’s first comprehensive campaign, Greater Together, surpassing its $700 million goal with $726.8 million in gifts and commitments. Mekemson’s leadership helped nearly double the number of donors of color and strengthened infrastructure for proactive fundraising and donor engagement. She also managed a team responsible for raising more than $75 million annually and granting $50–80 million to community initiatives.

Prior to her tenure at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Mekemson held leadership roles at Lawrence University, where she directed the $200 million Be the Light! campaign and secured principal gifts for major initiatives. Her career also includes development positions at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and program management at the Kern Family Foundation, where she advanced entrepreneurial education in engineering.

“We are all beneficiaries of philanthropy in its many forms—gifts of time, talent and treasure—that help organizations and communities thrive,” said Mekemson. “I am inspired by MSOE’s focus on students and hands-on learning, and by the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Baumgartner, the Board of Regents, the campus community, donors and alumni during this important time. Education changed my own life, and I am eager to use my experience and collaborative approach to support MSOE’s goals and ensure generosity continues to make a lasting difference.”  

Mekemson earned both her Master of Arts in British and American Literature and Bachelor of Arts in French and Writing-Intensive English from Marquette University. She has also completed advanced fundraising training through Plus Delta Partners.