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Arthur Criscillis, Ed.D. — Partner – Higher Education Fundraising Expert

Arthur Criscillis, Ed.D. — Partner

Arthur L. Criscillis, Ed.D., serves as a Partner of Alexander Haas. Arthur brings over
25 years of development and nonprofit experience to the Firm. Arthur moved from advancement work for colleges and universities into consulting for the opportunity to work with and for a wide variety of colleges, universities, and independent schools.

Prior to joining Alexander Haas, Arthur led the advancement programs for Purdue University College of Science, Rhodes College and Centre College. At Purdue, Arthur provided the leadership for the College of Science in the University’s $1.3 billion Capital Campaign.

Arthur was Dean of Planning and Development at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee where his leadership during the College’s 150th Anniversary Campaign garnered $152 million against its goal of $120 million and increased its unrestricted annual fund from $1.9 million to $2.9 million, with 50 percent alumni participation. He was instrumental in Rhodes’ securing a $35 million gift in April 2001 — its largest ever. He also specializes in training volunteers, academic leaders, and staff for major gift solicitations.

At Centre College, Arthur was the chief advancement officer. He planned and directed the silent phase of a $60 million campaign, securing $42 million for a campaign that ultimately raised $72 million. He also led the effort to increase leadership annual giving to the College which saw a 150 percent increase in two years. Alumni participation exceeded 60 percent in each of his years at Centre.

Consistently garnering the highest accolades for his speaking, including the CASE Crystal Apple Award, Arthur has chaired the CASE Conference on Major Gift Solicitation six times and the CASE Conference on Successful Annual Giving Strategies two times. He has also served as faculty for the CASE Summer Institute on Educational fundraising. Arthur has spoken at the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education annual conference and the Canadian Association of Independent School Development Officers annual conference, as well as many CASE District conferences.

Arthur earned his doctoral degree in higher education from Vanderbilt University. He also holds the Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of the Cumberlands.

In his free time, Arthur enjoys traveling and watching foreign and independent films. He especially enjoys visiting New York, which he does several times a year to take in a Broadway show or visit a new restaurant.