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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Thomas A. Martz, vice chancellor for university relations at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, has been named vice president for university advancement at The University of Alabama.

UA President Robert E. Witt said the appointment is effective Sept. 1.

“Tom Martz has an excellent reputation as a fundraiser and an administrator. He will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the University,” Witt said. “We have a strong advancement team in place and we look forward to Tom’s leadership as we enter a major capital campaign for the University.”

Witt said private gifts to the University totaled more than $54 million for the 2004-2005 year, the largest annual total in UA history.

Martz will oversee all of UA’s fund-raising programs, as well as alumni affairs and university relations.

“There is considerable excitement and momentum underway at The University of Alabama in all facets of its academics, research and athletics programs, and I look forward to helping UA reach an even higher level of prestige,” Martz said. “The opportunity to join Alabama’s oldest institution of higher learning and experience its rich legacy of tradition is one that is very appealing, and I am deeply appreciative of the vote of confidence that President Witt and the Board of Trustees have placed in me.”

Martz joined UNC-Charlotte in 1998 as associate vice chancellor for development and campaign director and was named vice chancellor for university relations in 2000. As vice chancellor he was responsible for a $100 million campaign that exceeded its goal, and included the University’s largest gift of $10 million.

Martz’ prior experience includes serving as associate vice chancellor for development and campaign director at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst from 1996-1998 and as vice president for institutional advancement and campaign director for Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., from 1987-1996.

He has also served as regional director for a $350 million comprehensive capital campaign for the University of California at Berkeley, director of alumni relations at the University of San Diego, and director of the Indiana University Student Foundation. He is currently a member of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Board of Advisors and a board member for the Charlotte public radio station WFAE.

Martz holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University. He has also studied at the United States Army Finance School and completed graduate courses at Indiana Central University.