Development and Alumni Leadership Change, Patrick Begins New Role as Interim VP

The University of Texas at Dallas recently announced a leadership transition in its Office of Development and Alumni Relations. Kyle Edgington PhD’13 stepped down from his role as vice president for development and alumni relations after more than 17 years of service to the University. He is succeeded by Shanon Patrick, who has been appointed interim vice president for development and alumni relations.

Edgington oversaw the evolution of UT Dallas’ fundraising office during a period of extraordinary growth across the University and played a central role transforming the culture of philanthropy on campus. Under his leadership, the development and alumni relations raised over $585 million and the University’s endowment more than doubled — from $393 million in 2015 to $861 million in 2025. Edgington also helped raise over $250 million in research-focused gifts, which helped UT Dallas earn Carnegie R1 classification as a doctoral institution of highest research activity in 2016.

Highlights of Edgington’s tenure included the public launch of New Dimensions: The Campaign for UT Dallas in 2021, a $750 million comprehensive fundraising effort to support students, promote life-changing research and advance the arts in North Texas. Among the campaign’s most visible outcomes to date include the University’s acquisition of the Crow Collection of Asian Art, the creation of the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology and the ongoing construction of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum. The first phase of the O’Donnell Athenaeum opened in 2024 and houses galleries for the UT Dallas Art Museums, including a second location of the Crow Museum of Asian Art. The O’Donnell Athenaeum’s second phase performing arts and music building — which will boast a 680-seat performance hall, outdoor performance space, practice and rehearsal rooms — is anticipated to open in 2026.

“Fundraising is now a core part of UT Dallas’ identity,” Edgington said. “It has been an incredible honor to help build a culture that embraces philanthropy as essential to the University’s future.”

Shanon Patrick, a development professional with deep roots in both the UT Dallas and North Texas communities, will lead the Office of Development and Alumni Relations during this transition. Patrick joined UT Dallas in 2010 and has held numerous leadership positions at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders and in her current department. Most recently, she served as associate vice president for development and alumni relations.

In her new role, Patrick will lead New Dimensions campaign efforts while working to align fundraising priorities with the vision of UT Dallas’ new president, Dr. Prabhas V. Moghe.

“What excites me most is seeing lives changed at UT Dallas — through scholarships, through the work of our faculty and researchers and through the incredible generosity of our supporters,” Patrick said. “It’s a privilege to help connect that generosity with opportunities to make a difference here on campus.”

Patrick began her professional career as a special education teacher in Plano Independent School District and later served in fundraising roles at the Baylor Health Care System Foundation and Presbyterian Communities and Services Foundation. A graduate of Texas State University, she holds a bachelor’s degree in child and family development and a minor in business administration.

A proud North Texas native, Patrick emphasized the personal importance of serving the region through her work at UT Dallas.

“This is the community where I was raised and where I’ve chosen to raise my own family,” she said. “The impact UT Dallas makes — locally and globally — is deeply meaningful to me.”