Leslie Kidwell

Leslie J. Kidwell, CFRE was hired as the Director of Development for Vincennes University Foundation in June 2020. As a fundraising professional, Kidwell has a passion for philanthropy and ensuring student success. She is a life-long learner and believes in the power of education. Kidwell enjoys making connections and seeing how the spirit of generosity can improve the lives of students and communities as a whole.

While at Vincennes University, one of her notable accomplishments was playing a key role in securing the university’s first endowed faculty fellowship. She also worked with donors to complete the university’s first capital project that was fully-funded by private philanthropy as well as securing the university’s first endowed unrestricted fund.

Prior to joining VU, Kidwell was the Vice President of Strategic Engagement for the Indiana Youth Institute leading the Institute’s strategic partnerships to build and maximize relationships advancing the organizations’ mission. Her accomplished fundraising career also includes previously working for the American Red Cross, Indiana Region and at Indiana University Indianapolis (formally IUPUI) for the IU School of Liberal Arts and IU Kelley School of Business.

Kidwell lives by the words of Winston Churchill, “we make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” She serves on the Board of Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation, on the Indiana University Alumni Association Executive Council, and is a member of the Zeta Theta Chapter of Tri Kappa.

A Certified Fund Raising Executive, Kidwell earned an executive Master of Arts from the IU Lilly School of Philanthropy, certificates in Nonprofit Management, Fund Raising Management, and Leadership in Dynamic Organizations, and has a Bachelor of Science from Stephens College. A native of Greenwood, Indiana, Kidwell and her husband, Michael, are proud parents of two Vincennes University students.

The opportunity to join Vincennes University Foundation allowing Kidwell to utilize her skills as a professional fundraiser to provide students access to a quality education is a career goal come true. Kidwell identifies as a dream maker, aligning people’s passions in order to make a positive impact. The ability to engage with VU donors whose passion for higher education parallels with hers and at this exciting time of strategic growth for the University is a role Kidwell is honored to fulfill.