Richard P. Virgin, PhD

Vice President for University Advancement

Richard P. Virgin, PhD (Rick) became the Vice President for University Advancement at the University of San Diego on August 1, 2018.

With a vision to transform access and success in higher education for underrepresented students, Rick is an accomplished, entrepreneurial, and inclusive leader who achieves transformative change through record-breaking fundraising, successful institutional and enrollment marketing, equity-minded leadership, and a dynamic culture of collaboration. Currently, the Vice President for University Advancement at the University of San Diego (USD), Rick directs all fundraising, institutional and enrollment marketing, university communications including media relations, branding, and crisis communications, alumni affairs for 75,000+ graduates, and government relations. He oversees 80+ staff across six departments and is responsible for a $12+M budget.

A strong partner to the board, he leads the Advancement committee on the Board of Trustees as well as serving as an ad hoc member of the Finance and Athletic committees. As a member of the President's Leadership Team, Rick provides guidance to the USD President on institutional budget priorities, fundraising, media, crisis communications, strategy and planning across the university, student affairs, DEIB, human resources, athletics, brand awareness, and enrollment. 

Known universally for his collegiality, Rick partners with cross-functional groups of faculty, administrative staff and students on multiple initiatives, task forces, and projects including faculty and student performance, enrollment and program growth, completion rates, and the student experience especially as it relates to diverse students.

Vital to a healthy and thriving higher education experience is the gift of diversity. As a second generation Mexican-American, Rick is devoted to creating and driving opportunities for underrepresented groups in higher education including recruiting and mentoring leaders of color, providing support for first-generation and low-income students, recognizing and celebrating the impact and accomplishments of underrepresented groups, and Chairing the Immigration Taskforce to ensure that students and their families who face ongoing uncertainty can flourish at USD.

His previous leadership position was as Vice President of University Relations at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where he served as the chief fundraiser and philanthropic strategist. Rick led the successful Ignite the Greatness campaign that culminated in the first named college at Creighton, the Heider College of Business. He earned a reputation for creating high-performing teams, establishing strong relationships with boards and senior leadership, and coaching and mentoring staff at all levels.

He has more than 20 years of development leadership experience spearheading successful fundraising campaigns and establishing a significant record of accomplishment securing major and transformational gifts at Creighton University, George Mason University and The George Washington University. As an appointee to the CASE Commission on Philanthropy, as a member of Hispanics in Philanthropy, and a board member for Partnership 4 Kids, Rick brings with him a commitment to community service.

Rick holds a BS in Management from Ithaca College and an MA in Legislative Affairs from the George Washington University. Rick received his PhD in Education and Social Justice from the University of San Diego. His research highlights academic achievement of Latinx Community College students through the lens of the Arrupe College model.

Rick, his wife, Kathleen Rapp, their daughter, Kennedy, and their dog, Scout, reside in Del Mar, not far from the beach.