Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics John Currie announced Mondaythat Kurt Gulbrand is joining the UTAD leadership team as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development.
Currently serving the University of Colorado as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Athletics Development, Gulbrand has spent the past five and a half years in Boulder, where he coordinated all fundraising efforts to support the Buffaloes’ 17 varsity programs.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Kurt and his family to the Tennessee family,” Currie said. “Kurt is well-known and widely respected nationally as a pacesetter for fundraising and development. He’s a proven leader who builds genuine relationships, and I’m confident that he—along with our talented Tennessee Fund staff—will have a very positive impact on the experiences of both our student-athletes and our fans.”
Gulbrand will begin his duties in Knoxville on July 24. He fills the vacancy created when former Tennessee Chief Development Officer Greg Hulen accepted a position at his alma mater, Florida State, earlier this month.
Gulbrand and his team recently led efforts for the Sustainable Excellence Initiative for CU Athletics—a transformational, $156 million capital campaign, the jewel of which was the completion of Colorado’s Champions Center and an indoor football practice facility.
“Deborah and I would like to thank John Currie for this incredible opportunity to serve the University of Tennessee,” Gulbrand said. “We are extremely humbled and honored to join a university that I have revered throughout my career in intercollegiate athletics. And I can’t wait to get to know the Tennessee student-athletes and the extremely passionate UT fan base while working to serve those groups daily.
“The Tennessee Fund team is known throughout the country as a department that provides student-athletes and patrons with a world-class experience. This opportunity to join the Tennessee Fund team is one something I hold in the highest regard. Deborah, Colton, Bryce and I are extremely grateful and excited to join the university and Knoxville community.”
The Tennessee Fund stewards 14,500 members who contribute more than 20 percent of the UTAD operating budget annually and operates in conjunction with the University of Tennessee Foundation. Dorothy Bryson, Executive Director of Development for the UT Tickle College of Engineering represented the Foundation on the position search committee.
“Kurt Gulbrand brings great energy for collaboration between academics and athletics fundraising,” Bryson said. “He has an incredible passion for the traditions here at Tennessee, and he recognizes the value in helping to shape those traditions into something that’s even greater.”
Hired at Colorado in 2011, Gulbrand made an immediate impact as a fundraising leader on the CU campus. In his first four-plus years in Boulder, the Buff Club enjoyed unprecedented fundraising success, achieving three consecutive $20 million years and establishing record numbers of new donors and Buff Club members. His department raised $26.5 million for the 2015-16 fiscal year, far and away another annual record for CU athletics.
Prior to his tenure at Colorado, Gulbrand spent 11 years at the University of Michigan, where, as an Assistant Athletic Director for Development in The Victors Club, he secured more than $67 million in gifts and served as the department representative in the university’s overall $3.2 billion fundraising campaign.
Additional intercollegiate athletics experience on Gulbrand’s resume includes stints at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State), Northwestern State (Louisiana) and the University of Massachusetts.
“I have had the unique opportunity to work with some extremely talented and passionate professionals during my career,” Gulbrand added. “I am particularly grateful to Rick George, Deb Coffin, Joe Parker, Bill Martin and Greg Burke for their patience, vision, guidance, leadership and support over the years.”
Gulbrand grew up in Fullerton, California and graduated from Oregon State University in 1995 with a degree in Organizational Sports Management. He and his wife, Deborah, a native of Natchitoches, Louisiana, a healthcare administrator and registered nurse, have two sons, Colton and Bryce.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT KURT GULBRAND
“I’ve known Kurt for the past 20 years. He’s a tremendous fundraiser, leader and visionary for college athletics. His deep knowledge of this industry, strong work ethic and passion for the student-athlete experience will be a tremendous asset for the University of Tennessee. He has made such a positive difference everywhere he has been. I’m thrilled for Kurt, his family and Vol Nation!”
Jennifer Cohen – Director of Athletics, University of Washington
“I met Kurt when he worked in the Development Department at the University of Michigan, and we have remained great friends for the past 15 years. He was instrumental in bringing the University of Michigan baseball community together, working tirelessly to raise the funds necessary to build a world-class baseball facility. He cares not only about the university, but first and foremost he cares about the individuals and families with whom he interacts. He still checks in on me and my family, asking how my kids are doing. Kurt is a great family man and an asset to any athletic department. John Currie has made a great hire, and the Volunteer community is lucky to have Kurt on their team.”
Derek Kerr – Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, American Airlines; former Michigan student-athlete
“This about making the University of Tennessee even better than it already is, and Kurt Gulbrand brings great energy for collaboration between academics and athletics fundraising. He has an incredible passion for the traditions here at Tennessee, and he recognizes the value in helping to shape those traditions into something that’s even greater. There is a teamwork and collaboration between academics and athletics that I have seen at the University of Tennessee for decades. John Currie helped strengthen that when he was here before, and he is bringing that mindset back with him. I believe Kurt will continues to elevate that collaboration so we can raise the profile of our university and provide for the interests of our donors as we enhance the student experience. That is the ultimate thing that we do in academics—and also in athletics. It’s about the students and what we provide for them. And private philanthropy provides the edge that we must have if we’re going to be a winning team, both athletically and academically.”
Dorothy Bryson – Executive Director for Development, University of Tennessee Tickle College of Engineering
“What (Director of Athletics) Rick George and Kurt Gulbrand achieved at Colorado was unprecedented and amazing. With Kurt’s expertise, professionalism and enthusiasm, Colorado was able to build a world-class facility that has become a benchmark in the college football landscape. He has been incredible with the alumni and has been instrumental in starting a project very close to my heart involving our nation’s brave veterans. I have zero doubt that Kurt and Deborah will bring the same drive and passion to Tennessee that they displayed in Boulder and throughout their career. Vol Nation should be incredibly excited that Kurt has joined the team, as I am confident he, John Currie, and the rest of the staff there will achieve remarkable things at Tennessee.”
Joel Klatt – College Football Analyst for FOX; former Colorado Quarterback
“There have always been two very positive aspects to Kurt Gulbrand. The first is the professional side. He’s always on top of a situation, understands the entire plan and then executes it in the nicest manner. Kurt is a thoughtful person who listens intently, and he is always prepared in every aspect when a situation is thrown at him. He has redefined all the development work at Colorado, which is challenging every day, and he has done so in a first-class and extremely productive manner. Kurt is a wonderful ambassador for the school and is tireless in his efforts. He just has a great way of getting things done. We have several NFF Board members who have worked with Kurt over the years who hold him in the highest of regard for everything he has done for other institutions.
“Personally, I have always appreciated Kurt. He has a very positive outlook on everything, never dips down when the going gets rough, and is so pleasant to be around. He’s just a good guy who makes everyone around so positive and happy. I value the fact that he looks right all the time, and when he shows up, you know who he is and who he represents without an agenda. He makes for an ideal person to always have around. I appreciate Kurt as a friend and his counsel is always spot on.
“The University of Tennessee is very smart to make Kurt a member of its team. It is a very smart step indeed. I hate to see him leave Colorado, but he has an upward trajectory.”
Steve Hatchell – President/CEO, National Football Foundation
“The University of Tennessee has identified and hired one of the most accomplished leaders in intercollegiate athletics. Kurt has had extraordinary success on every campus that he has served by building authentic relationships, motivating highly skilled fundraising teams and applying unbelievable passion to enhancing the student-athlete experience. John Currie should be applauded for this incredible addition to his leadership team.”
Joe Parker – Director of Athletics, Colorado State University
“I’m thrilled to welcome Kurt and his wonderful family to the Tennessee family. Kurt is well-known and widely respected nationally as a pacesetter for fundraising and development. He’s a proven leader who builds genuine relationships, and I’m confident that he—along with our talented Tennessee Fund staff—will have a very positive impact on the experiences of both our student-athletes and our fans.”
John Currie – Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics, University of Tennessee
-UT Athletics
