FAMU Interim President Beard Appoints W. Anthony Neal as Vice President for University Advancement
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., announces W. Anthony Neal, Ph.D., as vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation, effective February 3, 2025. He is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure financial support, including cultivating relationships with major donors, overseeing fundraising campaigns, managing the development team, and working closely with the president to maximize fundraising and advance the University's mission.
“I’m excited to welcome Dr. Tony Neal, an accomplished economist, to the FAMU leadership team,” said Interim President Beard. "With 25 years of proven success in higher education advancement and nonprofit leadership, his expertise will be instrumental in strengthening FAMU’s fundraising efforts and advancing our vision for the University’s future."
Throughout his fundraising career, Neal has secured more than $525 million in gifts and contributions.
“It is an honor and a privilege to join this distinguished institution, Florida A&M University,” said Neal. “I am excited about the opportunity to work with Interim President Timothy Beard and his team, as we continue the effort to provide the best educational experience and facilities for our students.”
Most recently, Neal served as senior vice president of Advancement at Wiley University (2021-2024) in Marshall, TX, where he led the University’s Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary Celebration. Neal was also an adjunct professor of economics. His courses, The Principles of Economics 1 and 2, introduced students to the fundamental concepts of micro and macroeconomics. From 2018 to 2021, Neal served as vice president of Institutional Advancement at LeMoyne-Owen College, where he led the successful effort to secure a historic $40 million endowed gift—the largest individual gift in the institution’s history.
A native of Memphis, Tenn., Neal has held leadership positions with national fundraising and human services organizations including the United Way and United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Neal served as president of the United Way of Rome, Ga., and executive director of the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Foundation. He was also vice president of Institutional Advancement at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Atlanta, Ga., and vice president of Institutional Advancement at Bennett College in Greensboro, N. C. Additionally, Neal served as Regional Development Director for UNCF in Birmingham, Ala., and Charlotte, N.C.
Neal holds memberships in the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and is a founding member of the African American Development Officers Network AADO). He also serves as a member of the DeKalb Advisory Board for the Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Atlanta.
Neal received his bachelor’s degree from Denison University, a master’s degree from Central Michigan University, and his doctoral degree from Jackson State University. He and his wife, Patricia, have three adult sons.
Media Contact:
Alonda Thomas
Alonda.Thomas@famu.edu
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