Phil Castleberry
Vice President for University Advancement
Phil Castleberry
Vice President for University Advancement
Bio
Mr. Phillip D. Castleberry, a 20-year veteran of higher education advancement and fundraising, became vice president of University Advancement for Rochester Institute of Technology in February 2020.
In this role, Phil provides strategic vision and operational leadership for all aspects of the university’s development and alumni initiatives. He leads a team of approximately 100 professionals focused on cultivating a culture of philanthropy and engagement with RIT alumni and friends across the region, the nation, and the globe. He also oversaw the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history, “Transforming RIT: The Campaign for Greatness,” which raised over $1 billion and brought the university’s 2025 Strategic Plan to life.
Before coming to RIT, Phil was vice president for institutional advancement at St. John Fisher College. In this role, he oversaw development, alumni and constituent engagement, corporate and foundation relations, government affairs, advancement services, stewardship, and events. He grew philanthropic giving exponentially at St. John Fisher and was the architect of “Fisher Forward,” the most ambitious comprehensive campaign in the college’s history with a fundraising goal of $100 million.
Prior to St. John Fisher, Phil spent seven years at the University of Rochester, serving most recently as associate vice president of university advancement. Before that, he held a variety of development and advancement roles of increasing responsibility with such institutions as Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Missouri—St. Louis, William Jewell College, and his alma mater, the University of Central Missouri.
In the News
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September 26, 2025
RIT announces creation of five new endowed professorships
The creation of five new endowed professorships, together valued at $15 million, was announced Sept. 26 during the inauguration of the university’s 11th president, Bill Sanders.
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June 27, 2025
RIT receives $11.1M gift from Navas-Robbins estate
Rochester Business Journal discusses the gift with NTID President Gerry Buckley, and Phil Castleberry, vice president of University Advancement.
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June 25, 2025
RIT receives $11.1 million gift from late alumnus and spouse
RIT has received a gift of $11.1 million through the estate of late alumnus and former trustee Henry Navas and his late wife, Deborah Robbins. Included is a gift of $4.8 million to RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the largest gift in its history.