Executive Director for Institutional Advancement

Matt Hemsley, has performed such a wide-spanning range of functions at the Quinney College that one might be forgiven for simply terming him the man who keeps dozens of balls in the air. He maintains a dizzying pace but says he enjoys it because it's rare that you have an opportunity to be involved with projects of this magnitude and on a level that Dean Chodosh has brought to the college of law.

I live for this kind of stuff; the work we engage in here extends beyond the classroom and the academic sphere, we are trailblazing and carving out a niche of leadership for our graduates and ourselves.

In 2006, Hemsley earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah with research interests involving fundraising, philanthropic trending, non-governmental organizations (NGO), public-private sector collaboration, and volunteer management. He has undergraduate degrees in Organizational Communication and Media Production from the University of Houston with highest honors. All of his academic pursuits have been intertwined with his interests in community relations, communications,and project management that culminate in his current position as the Executive Director for Institutional Advancement and campaign management.

Before his role in fundraising at the college Matt spent two years with our Pro Bono Initiative and followed that experience with three years functioning as Chief of Staff for Dean Chodosh. As he notes, my existing relationships with faculty, staff, and administration have allowed me to hit the ground running. Each day I am reminded that I could not accomplish all of the tasks on my plate without the constant support of our various departments and supportive alumni.

With all of the expanding programs and projects here, Hemsley revels in the speed and scope of the college's current accomplishments and those that are just around the corner, "I work with some of the most talented people in the world. How can one not be excited to go to work when you are surrounded by brilliant people that encourage and enable change, inculcate a responsibility to our community, and create a voice for Utah on a global level?"

Between juggling campaign milestones and multiple projects Matt dedicates time to enjoy life outside of work. He readily admits that the original draw to the U was driven by the recreational opportunities of Utah. Growing up as a native San Diegan, a Houstonian via undergraduate work, Matt is an outdoor enthusiast and does not miss the humidity of the Gulf Coast. If he cannot be found in his office or in a meeting downtown he is rightfully on his next adventure of rock climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, camping, hiking, trail running, or just plain travelling. When not dangling from a rock face or enjoying a day on the slopes Hemsley is easily spotted behind a barbeque or trying out a new restaurant in town.

At the end of a typical day, when asked for a concise statement describing himself and his work, Hemsley, with a smile on his face and a raised eyebrow, simply stated that my life, my work, my interests are all about the adventure, the great dichotomy of planned spontaneity and developing the newfound skill to fly by the seat of my pants. That last skill is admittedly a direct result of his different jobs held within the college and reinforced by the amount of time he actually sits in his office chair. Don't worry if he's not there when you stop by, he probably just left and will be back five minutes later than the sticky note on his door promises.