Shams Khan will be the new chief development and alumni relations officer for the Ohio State College of Arts and Sciences, effective March 1.

Khan comes to Ohio State from West Virginia University (WVU), where he served as assistant dean of development for the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. Under his leadership, Statler College increased its fundraising production by a factor of 16 over just a four-year period, making it the most successful academic unit at WVU in terms of dollars raised, donors retained and annual gifts. This philanthropic support catalyzed new endowed faculty positions and scholarships, support for interdisciplinary research, and updated labs and other facilities.

“Growing philanthropic support is a key for our growth and future success, including through more endowed faculty positions, research support funds, student scholarships, and capital support for the Arts District and other college facilities,” said Gretchen Ritter, executive dean and vice provost of the College of Arts and Sciences. “I look forward to partnering with Shams and our terrific advancement colleagues to help move us forward.”

Prior to his work at WVU, Khan led major gifts, donor relations and stewardship at Zaytuna College in Berkeley, California, and he also held various positions at his alma mater, Western Michigan University, from which he has an undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences and graduate degrees in higher education administration and business administration.

“I am excited to join the amazing Arts and Sciences advancement team to secure the relationships and resources required to advance one of the largest academic units in the country, its faculty and, most importantly, its students to the next level,” Khan said. “My family and I are eager to move to the Columbus area and join the vibrant community and Buckeye family.”

The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college and the academic heart of Ohio State, hosting more than 80 majors, 38 departments and schools, and more than 20 world-class research centers. Arts and Sciences is home to nearly 20,000 students, more than 2,000 faculty and staff and more than 210,000 living alumni.