Joe Kender serves as Senior Vice President for University Relations. In this role, he directs the strategy and execution of government and community relations and university advancement. His primary aim is to effectively position the University externally among a wide array of constituents, including the communities on campus, throughout the region and among the University’s nearly 70,000 alumni and parents.
Over the last 30 years, Kender has held a variety of fundraising positions in higher education, working closely with leadership to organize campaign and long-range institutional philanthropic strategy. He has led or been part of four comprehensive campaigns at three institutions: Georgetown, Lehigh and Saint Joseph's. Kender has been a frequent speaker for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and other fundraising organizations.
Kender holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Lehigh University.