About
Kimera Way has spent her career working in higher education institutional advancement. For the past 30 years, she has led institutionally related foundations at regional public institutions—two of which were in state systems. As the foundation CEO and/or executive director, she led the first comprehensive fundraising campaigns at Emporia State University (Kansas), Michigan Tech University, and the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. Over the past 18 years, she has led successful public-private real estate projects totaling nearly $300 million in value. The projects have included two student housing developments, a community-university arts center, and a campus-community complex that included an event center, turfed fieldhouse, center for health and well-being, and Mayo Clinic diagnostic imaging and sports medicine center. She has conducted board training and development at various nonprofit organizations. Her higher education board focus is on best practices and risk assessment and management.
Professional Credentials
Way received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wyoming and her master’s degree in organizational communication from the University of Kansas. She was active in the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), including serving in CASE regional leadership roles. Currently, she is a member of the AGB Council of Foundation Leaders.