Amy Eaton Named Vice President For University Advancement

Pacific University welcomed Amy Eaton as its new vice president for University Advancement on Aug. 1.

Eaton joined Pacific after an 11-year tenure at the University of Portland, where she has served as associate vice president, development director and director of foundation and corporate relations. She previously was executive director of Living Yoga and development director for Clackamas Women’s Services.

At the University of Portland, she oversaw a fundraising team and managed a major gift portfolio, securing nearly $7 million in gifts in the past year and coordinating on planned giving valued at more than $30 million. She also supervised a fundraising team and led strategic, operational and administrative functions while collaborating with units university-wide on key initiatives and building a culture of philanthropy.

At Pacific, Eaton leads a team of about 30 people dedicated to fundraising, alumni engagement, marketing and communications, and advancement services. She also serves as a member of the President’s Council, setting direction for the university.

“Amy personally connects with our mission and is committed to the work we do at Pacific,” said President Jenny Coyle ’90, OD ’93, MS ’00. “She is bringing thoughtful and creative ideas for expanding our engagement with our alumni and donors, and I look forward to her leadership.”

Eaton joins Pacific at a key moment in the university’s 174-year history. Pacific welcomed Coyle as its 18th president in July 2022 and is embarking on a new strategic planning process to identify core priorities and initiatives for the next stage of its future. Following the strategic planning process, the university expects to embark on its next comprehensive campaign, building on the success of the $80 million campaign that reached its successful conclusion in 2022.

“Pacific University’s unique educational model, mission, values, history and aspirations inspire me, as does the palpable sense of community that has been evident throughout the process,” Eaton said. 

“It is a privilege to join such a dedicated and talented leadership team. I want to thank President Coyle and the search committee for this opportunity to be a part of the next extraordinary chapter at Pacific. I can’t wait to start working with the team on generating more support, engagement, and recognition for this great institution." 

Pacific University is the only comprehensive university in Washington County, Oregon, serving more than 3,600 undergraduate, graduate and professional students in the arts and sciences, business, education, health professions and optometry.