Midwestern University Appoints Patrick A. O’Hara as Vice President for University Advancement
New key senior leadership position responsible for designing and implementing strategies to strengthen the University’s philanthropic support, alumni engagement, and brand visibility
- AZ - Glendale
- IL - Downers Grove
Joshua C. Baker, O.D., M.S., President and Chief Executive Officer, Midwestern University, is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick A. O’Hara, M.S., as Midwestern's new Vice President for University Advancement.
The Vice President for University Advancement is a new key senior leadership position responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive, institution-wide advancement strategies that strengthen the University’s philanthropic support, alumni engagement, and brand visibility, while playing a pivotal role in shaping and advancing Midwestern University’s priorities, including student scholarships, academic innovation, clinical and health service expansion, and One Health initiatives.
As Vice President, Mr. O’Hara will report to the President and CEO and serve on the University’s senior leadership team. He will provide strategic oversight of Development, Alumni Relations, and Marketing and Communications across Midwestern University’s two campuses.
“I am honored to join Midwestern University and support its vital mission of educating healthcare professionals,” says Mr. O’Hara. “I look forward to partnering with leadership, faculty, alumni, and supporters to expand opportunity and advance the University’s impact.”
Mr. O’Hara brings more than 25 years of executive experience leading comprehensive fundraising, campaign strategies, and academic health advancement initiatives at major universities and nationally recognized healthcare institutions. A mission-driven leader, Mr. O’Hara has extensive experience partnering with deans, faculty, and clinical leaders to align philanthropy with priorities in healthcare education, research, workforce development, and patient-centered care.
“Patrick’s depth of experience in academic health fundraising and team leadership will help position the University for continued growth and impact,” Dr. Baker says.
Mr. O’Hara most recently served as Associate Vice President for Development at the University of North Texas, where he led enterprise-wide advancement strategy and annual philanthropic revenue exceeding $50 million. Previously, as Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Advancement at the University of Missouri, he directed fundraising for MU Health Care and its health schools and led a $25 million children’s hospital campaign while doubling School of Medicine fundraising in a single fiscal year. Over the course of his career, he has secured multiple seven- and eight-figure gifts and led major capital, research, and scholarship campaigns.
Mr. O’Hara holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Texas State University.
