Senior Director of Development, Academic Affairs
- MA, Villanova University, Public Administration
- BA, The University of Tulsa, Communication (Public Relations)
- Certificate, Villanova University, Public Administration
Charles Bass was appointed as USD’s inaugural Senior Director of Development for Academic Affairs in August 2023. In this role, Charles works in close collaboration with Provost Gail F. Baker on funding priorities central to USD’s academic mission. This includes building philanthropic support for student scholarships, undergraduate research opportunities, chair and term professorships for our outstanding faculty, and support of USD’s global initiatives.
Since arriving at USD in 2011, first as Director of Alumni Relations, and then as Senior Director, Charles has demonstrated his deep commitment to USD and the Torero community. He has spoken to groups around the world and visited all 23 regionally-based Torero Clubs, grew our international alumni presence, and led the creation of our Torero Travel program. Under his leadership, USD saw significant growth for the annual Wine Classic and a higher degree of philanthropic participation by our Alumni Board members.
In addition to private sector experience, Charles has spent more than 20 years in higher education advancement, working on Villanova University Alumni Association staff, as well as serving as the senior alumni relations officer at the University of Denver and at his alma mater, The University of Tulsa.
He has worked regionally and nationally in support of higher education advancement, serving in a variety of volunteer roles for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Charles is currently a member of the District VII Cabinet. He is also a co-founder of PCUAD, an association of private college and university alumni directors.