SRU appoints Erin Bryer as interim vice president for university advancement

Erin Bryer has been appointed Slippery Rock University’s interim vice president for university advancement.

Feb. 13, 2024

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University today announced that Erin Bryer has been appointed interim vice president for university advancement, effective immediately. Bryer has worked at SRU since 2011 and most recently as director of advancement services and donor communication.

Bryer assumes the interim role after the sudden passing of the previous interim vice president, Samantha Swift, Dec. 31, 2023.

"I love working at SRU and connecting with our donors," Bryer said. "Samantha did a wonderful job and we miss her dearly. I'm proud to continue what Samantha started and honor her through our work to support the University and its students. I'm eager to step into this role and to learn, grow and help SRU succeed and fulfill its mission."

Bryer will be responsible for providing development strategies, building philanthropic partnerships and collaborating with the Slippery Rock University Foundation, Inc. In addition, she will lead the University's Advancement Office, which consists of eight staff members.

"We are grateful for Erin and her leadership during this transition," said Karen Riley, SRU president. "Our University Advancement team and the entire SRU community continue to grieve Samantha's passing. Samantha was a dynamic, energetic leader and we want to make her proud as we forge ahead, honor her memory, and do what's best for the University."

Bryer has nearly 20 years' experience in higher education fundraising. Prior to joining SRU, she was the director of annual giving programs at Chatham University, after working with annual giving programs at Robert Morris University and her alma mater, Allegheny College. She started as a major gifts officer at SRU in 2011, before being promoted to assistant director of development in 2013 and director of advancement services and donor communication in 2021.

Bryer earned her bachelor's degree in economics from Allegheny in 2003 and a master's degree in nonprofit management from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005.

SRU will be relaunching its national search for a permanent vice president of university advancement in the coming weeks.

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 |  justin.zackal@sru.edu