Rick Darnell

About Rick Darnell

Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence. I have 30+ years of leadership experience investing and collaborating with people to achieve bold goals. My career has included successes in college athletics, 3 Fortune 100 companies, higher-ed, healthcare, & serving in communities. A few of my servant leader results:• NCAA Division 4 sport student athlete, team captain & former record holder• Graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy (BS) and Washington University St. Louis (MBA)• Naval Reserve Officer, Ship’s Officer, & mentor college students• H.S. Asst. Coach - 8 Conf. Championships, 8 Final Fours, 6 State titles (in 9 years/2 schools) • College Asst, Coach - 2 Conference Championships and 1 Final Four (in 2 years/1 university) • Athletics Excellence - Idaho, Baylor & Illinois all had significant improvements in Directors’ Cup * Academic Excellence - Conference leading APR, GSR and GPA at each university * Champion of Character Executive - Relationship builder & strategic planner who lifts people to new heights• Part of a Winning Culture – “Year of the Bear 2011-12” - Set NCAA record for wins (129-28, 82.2%) Football 10-3, W Basketball 40-0, M Basketball 30-8, and Baseball 49-17 in a single season at BaylorMy career demonstrates a successful record of results. Building dynamic teams, identifying new revenue sources, promoting multi-purpose proposals, customer focus and closing transformational gifts ranging from four to nine figures. I have played a vital role in changing people\'s lives for the better through education and helping them seek purpose.My mission is to serve others. Passion, strategic focus & competitive drive are my keys to success. Honoring leaders, colleagues, students, customers & donors\' rights, intent, and expectations, help forge personal relationships based on trust and respect. Show people you care & it is incredible what can be accomplished.In Higher Ed: Oversaw teams and Co-led initiatives, & campaigns totaling $4+ Billion. Examples as Sr VP UIF:With Illinois Campaign Goal $2.25B Secured $2.7BIGNITE UIC Campaign Goal $750M Secured $803MReaching Stellar UIS Campaign Goal $40M Secured $42.5MUI Foundation (across UI System) Goal $60M Secured $105M+Examples as Senior Associate AD/Associate AD:Illinois: State Farm Center $170MBaylor: McLane Stadium $266MIdaho: Kibbie Dome $35MBaylor Victory with Integrity Campaign $95MIdaho Vandal Victory Campaign $12M

Experience

1. Vice President of University Advancement

   Millikin University

   Apr 2025 — Present · Decatur, IL, US

   As Vice President for University Advancement at Millikin University, I’m proud to support a mission-driven institution known for transforming students’ lives through its unique approach to education known as Performance Learning. I lead Millikin’s advancement strategy including fundraising, alumni engagement, and strategic partnerships to strengthen the University’s impact and future.Millikin is a comprehensive, residential university in Decatur, Illinois, serving 1,700 students through hands-on, real-world learning. With 99% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months, Millikin delivers results that last a lifetime.I am proud to serve an institution that offers more than 50 academic programs across the College of Fine Arts, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Professional Studies, and the Tabor School of Business. Through innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence, we are building a stronger future for Millikin and the students we serve.Let’s connect.

Education

• Washington University in St. Louis - Olin Business School

  MBA, Masters Business Administration

  1998 — 2000

• United States Merchant Marine Academy

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Marine Transportation (and Logistics)

  1988 — 1992

• London School of Business and Finance LSBF

  Bachelor courses - BBA Affiliated INTL Program - Part of WASHU STL , International Finance

Skills

• Community Outreach
• Sports Coaching
• Fundraising
• Event Planning
• Leadership
• Nonprofits
• Volunteer Management
• New Business Development
• Event Management
• Senior Executive Leadership
• Executive Management
• Financial Analysis
• Capital Campaigns
• Marketing
• Public Speaking
• Strategic Planning
• Revenue & Profit Growth
• Marketing Management
• Social Media
• Brand Implementation
• Sports
• Higher Education
• Public Relations
• Business Strategy