University development : donor perceptions regarding a regional university in Texas

Texas, along with many other states, finds itself in a state budget crisis by 2002. Budget demands by other components such as senior citizens, have brought a greater demand for universities to raise more of their own funds, the process known as development. Most state universities began serious development efforts by the mid 1990s. It was thought that a thorough survey of alums, parents, faculty, and other stakeholders would provide insight into how SWT could best communicate with these stakeholders. The approval of Gerald Hill, Vice President for Development at SWT, was obtained for the project. Numerous other important staff then joined the effort. Sixteen questions were formed to elicit information. These questions were placed on a website so that electronic mail could be used to obtain answers. Questions included how the stakeholders perceived SWT, how they communicate with SWT, their understanding of ways of giving, and attitudes about giving. Some 441 responses were obtained. These were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The results are presented. The meaning of these responses is analyzed. Suggestions are made for further research.