Robert Shepard

Robert Shepard, Senior Consulting Vice President, was instrumental in transforming Duke University’s fundraising beginning in 1995 until his 2018 retirement.  In 2004, he was elevated to vice president for development and alumni affairs where he led the Duke Forward Campaign, raising $3.85 billion and the University’s Financial Aid initiatives, raising $308 million in new endowment funds dedicated to financial aid.  During his tenure, he improved the campus infrastructure, enhanced the undergraduate experience, and increased financial aid resources. Under his leadership, private funding increased significantly, allowing for construction projects for academics, athletics, and the arts. He began his career with Duke as executive director of development and played a key role in the Campaign for Duke, raising more than $2.36 billion. He helped expand the scope, mission, and impact of the alumni association and the construction of the University’s first alumni center. Prior to joining Duke, Robert was the vice dean of external affairs at the University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences, and the associate director for the Campaign for Penn.  He began his early career as a development officer at Roosevelt University in Chicago. He will bring his depth of experience and perspective to each of his GG+A client engagements. He earned a doctorate from the University of Chicago, and undergraduate degrees from the University of Iowa and Trinity College.