Renee M. Pearl

With over two decades of experience in higher education philanthropy, Renee is a speaker and facilitator on advancement topics. She has extensive experience in building collaborative teams, managing complex projects and leading alumni and donor relations efforts.

Renee most recently served as the Associate Vice President of Advancement and Foundation Administration at Western Michigan University. In this role, she directed the operations for University Advancement, including finances, HR and training, along with the operations of the WMU Foundation. Additionally, Renee oversaw the implementation of the $550 million Empowering Futures Gift, a historic philanthropic contribution dedicated to creating pathways to graduation and student success, increasing retention and improving student resilience.  

Prior to joining WMU in 2009, Renee worked as a development officer at both Washington University in St. Louis and the University of California, Davis.  

Within the community, Renee a past president and board member of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.  Born and raised in California and a proud graduate of St. Mary’s College of California, Renee and her husband reside in Portage, Michigan.