Elizabeth Armstrong has been appointed assistant dean for advancement for the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She brings to the role a substantial background in advancement, development and alumni engagement, complemented by her longstanding commitment to public service and community engagement.

“Liz has been a critical member of our team for many years, cultivating key relationships with alumni and friends in support of campaign goals and key initiatives to benefit students and ensure faculty excellence,” said Dean David M. Van Slyke. “She has a proven track record of professionalism, accomplishments and demonstrated leadership. I am thrilled that she is now our assistant dean for advancement.”

Peter Cronin, vice president of schools, colleges and administration in the Division of Advancement and External Affairs, noted Armstrong’s deep connections to Syracuse University.  

“Liz has a long history at Maxwell and at Syracuse University, earning a master of public administration degree at the Maxwell School and working at the University for the better part of the past decade,” Cronin said. “In the time I have worked with her, Liz has shown herself as a strong leader, a creative thinker and an outstanding development professional. Additionally, her dedication and loyalty to the Maxwell School is unwavering.”

Before beginning her graduate studies at Maxwell, Armstrong began her career in 2008 at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), where she was an AmeriCorps VISTA, through the Corporation for National and Community Service and New York Campus Compact. She was then promoted to serve as ESF’s first community service and service-learning coordinator. 

After earning an M.P.A. in 2013, Armstrong transitioned to Syracuse University’s Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service, serving as the associate director for community engagement from 2013 to 2017. 

In October 2017, Armstrong joined Maxwell’s advancement team as the assistant director of development, a role she held until 2020. During that time, she played a key role in the early success of the University’s Forever Orange fundraising campaign. After a brief departure to serve as a regional director of development for the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, Armstrong returned to Maxwell to become a director of development in January 2022. 

In her more than two years as director of development, Armstrong has built a portfolio of major gift prospects and designed creative ways to increase donor engagement in line with the academic and strategic priorities of the school. 

As assistant dean for advancement, Armstrong will oversee a team of seven professionals that includes major gift officers, lead annual gift officers, alumni engagement, stewardship and annual giving staff. She will work collaboratively with the dean, faculty and University’s advancement team to achieve a high level of engagement from alumni, parents and friends whose philanthropic priorities support the educational mission and academic programs of the Maxwell School.

“It is an honor to serve in this role at such an important time in the Maxwell School and Syracuse University’s history,” Armstrong said. “As we celebrate our centennial year while also closing the University’s Forever Orange campaign, we can see the power of philanthropy and how it has shaped Maxwell today. Our alumni and donors have played a pivotal role in enhancing the educational experience, furthering research opportunities and cultivating a network of leaders across the world. I am excited to continue working with our loyal alumni and supporters, furthering our impact on the Maxwell School together.”