The University of Cincinnati Foundation is pleased to welcome Chris Higgins as the new Vice President for Development, Academic Health Enterprise.

A veteran fundraiser with Cincinnati roots, Higgins brings a record of achievement, with extensive experience in higher education advancement and skills in operational oversight and workflow management.

In his new role, he will oversee all fundraising for UC's medical campus, which includes the colleges of medicine, nursing and allied health sciences, as well as the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy and the UC Health system.

"Chris is a persuasive, results-driven and effective team leader," says UC Foundation President Rich Bundy. "His ability to cultivate donor relationships, combined with his strong management and leadership experience, will significantly enhance fundraising for UC's academic medicine mission and UC Health, advancing scientific inquiry and improving health outcomes across our region."

Higgins previously served at the University of Texas at Austin as the associate vice president for development in the Dell Medical School. His career in higher education advancement also includes positions as director of development at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; assistant dean and chief advancement officer at the University of Illinois College of Law; and chief development officer at the University of Texas Cockrell School of Engineering.

Higgins earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Ohio State University and master's degree in business from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

"As a Cincinnati native, contributing to the future of UC's academic medicine and patient care mission is deeply meaningful," says Higgins. "I'm excited to partner with UC and UC Health leadership in elevating our academic health enterprise to regional and national prominence."

Higgins began his role on January 5, 2026.

Featured image at top: University of Cincinnati medical campus. Photo/Matthew Lester.