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Matthew Weinstein brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education development

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Cal Poly has named Matthew A. Weinstein, a longtime higher education development professional, as its new vice president of University Development and Alumni Engagement (UDAE).

Weinstein, current associate vice president for development at Carnegie Mellon University, will begin at Cal Poly on March 1.

Weinstein brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education development to his new role. He has spent nearly a decade in senior-level positions at Carnegie Mellon. Previously, he was at the University of Pittsburgh, where he served as senior executive director of advancement for the Swanson School of Engineering.

Weinstein will oversee a division that focuses on fostering strong relationships with internal and external partners to enhance support for Cal Poly. UDAE establishes and implements an overall advancement program, including coordinating fundraising, donor relations, gift processing, trust and endowment management, training and systems support for the donor database, and Cal Poly Foundation support and administration.

“Matt has exactly the skills necessary to elevate our development efforts and help us strengthen our financial future,” said Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong. “The vice president of development position is critical to Cal Poly's future. If we are to meet our ambitious goals — including increasing our graduation rates, recruiting and retaining top-notch faculty and staff, housing more than half the student body on campus, and increasing diversity — we need to enhance our ability to secure financial support from private philanthropy and industry.”

Weinstein did his undergraduate studies in political science and government at the London School of Economics and at Clark University. He earned a master’s degree in political science from Lehigh University and a doctorate in political science from the University of Pittsburgh.

“As a Bay Area native, I am excited to return to my home state and to take on this new role supporting Cal Poly’s critical Learn by Doing mission,” Weinstein said. “I understand the important role Cal Poly plays in providing the workforce talent and future leadership for the state, the nation and the world. I am confident we can enhance the university’s development and alumni engagement efforts to bring in additional crucial support and resources to help ensure the strength of a Cal Poly education far into the future.”

Weinstein will succeed Stacy Cannon, who has since August 2023 served as Cal Poly’s acting vice president for University Development and Alumni Engagement.