Harvey Mudd College Appoints Jennifer Eccles Vice President for Advancement

After a national search, Harvey Mudd College has appointed Jennifer Eccles as the College’s next vice president for advancement, effective October 28. 

Eccles joins the College from the Giant Magellan Telescope Corporation in Pasadena, CA, an international consortium dedicated to building one of the world’s most powerful observatories, where she has served as vice president of development and external relations since 2017. There, she supported the $2.5 billion observatory with funding initiatives that helped raise over $250 million, securing significant contributions from academic institutions, private donors, and federal partners. Eccles has extensive experience in campaign planning, donor cultivation, and engagement that will advance the mission of Harvey Mudd College and work to achieve the College’s ambitious goals outlined by the community in its strategic plan.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer, who brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record in fundraising, campaign strategy and leadership across higher education and nonprofit sectors,” said HMC President Harriet Nembhard. “Her expertise, vision and passion for higher education advancement will be invaluable as she leads our advancement team to even greater heights.”

Throughout her career, Eccles has demonstrated exceptional leadership in campaign planning and donor engagement. From guiding large-scale fundraising initiatives to developing joint donor councils, she has consistently exceeded fundraising goals while fostering collaboration across diverse institutions. A key aspect of Eccles’ approach has been the creation of engaging donor experiences and salons, which have helped cultivate meaningful relationships with supporters. At the University of Southern California, where she previously served in senior advancement roles, Eccles played a central role in securing major gifts, including a $50 million naming gift for the Sol Price School of Public Policy.

“I am honored to join Harvey Mudd College and partner with President Nembhard in advancing the College’s mission to develop future leaders in STEM,” said Jennifer Eccles. “The College has a rich history and an extraordinary alumni community, and together we will develop the resources needed to empower our students, drive STEM innovation, and uphold the legacy of excellence that defines Harvey Mudd.”

Eccles’ expertise in creating and executing effective campaigns will help Harvey Mudd continue to advance its mission and achieve the ambitious goals outlined through the community’s strategic planning efforts.

Eccles began her career in higher education advancement as a student worker at the University of Idaho Foundation. Since then, she held development roles at the University of Washington, Washington State University, and the University of Southern California, where she spent a decade leading fundraising initiatives at the Sol Price School of Public Policy and USC Libraries.

Eccles holds a bachelor’s degree in public communication from the University of Idaho and a master of executive leadership from the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy. In her spare time, Eccles enjoys hiking, bird watching, and spending time with her family.