Russell Dunlavy is a dedicated and impactful leader in higher education fundraising, bringing warmth, experience, and a strategic mindset to his role as Senior Associate Vice President for University Development at the University of Houston. Russell leads an expansive team of 56 development professionals supporting 16 colleges, three specialized units, and dedicated offices for Corporate Relations, Foundation Relations, Gift and Estate Planning, and Regional Development. Together, they focus on major and principal-level gifts, significantly advancing the University's mission and impact.

Under Russell’s leadership, the University of Houston successfully surpassed its ambitious $1 billion goal during the "Here, We Go" capital campaign (2012-2020), raising over $1.2 billion in the university's first comprehensive campaign in more than two decades. Russell’s leadership continues to drive impressive results, with his team securing $182 million in philanthropic support during the 2022 fiscal year alone.

Before stepping into his current leadership role in 2017, Russell significantly contributed to fundraising efforts in the Cullen College of Engineering and UH STEM initiatives. Among his many achievements was securing the college's first eight-figure department naming gift, demonstrating his skill in building meaningful donor relationships.

Russell’s career in higher education fundraising began at Texas Tech University, where he served as a regional gift officer prior to joining the University of Houston in 2008. His expertise spans campaign strategy, major gift acquisition, and fostering long-term philanthropic partnerships—all essential elements as the University of Houston strives to achieve its goal of becoming a Top 50 ranked public university.

A proud native Texan, Russell initially attended the University of Houston before completing both his bachelor's and master's degrees at Texas Tech University. Russell continues to lead with vision and heart, making philanthropy a cornerstone of the University’s ongoing growth and success.