After much job shuffling in the past year, the University Foundation hired a permanent employee to help conduct a multi-million dollar fund-raising campaign.

Kim Way was appointed by Foundation President Carole Halberg to the newly created position. She began July 16.

Way, 43, comes from Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich. with her husband and three young daughters. She also worked at Emporia State University, Kansas as head of the Foundation.

“We wanted to come here because we were impressed with the university,” Way said.

Her job duties will be to work with Halberg in planning, implementing and completing the fund-raising campaign which is now in the “quiet phase.”

“Quiet phase” means that where where the money raised will come from has not been announced, Way said. It is also unclear exactly how much the Foundation hopes to raise.

A public announcement of the total sum is expected by the end of this academic year, Halberg said.

Way is the third person this year to have a permanent position in the Foundation.

Jack Fistler, former president of the Foundation was dismissed from his position last September, and university officials declined to comment about reasons why.

Halberg, then serving as special assistant to Chancellor Donald Mash took over Fistler’s duties.

Despite the sudden dismissal of Fistler, the Foundation saw a prosperous year, Halberg said. About $3.4 million dollars were raised during the last fiscal year that ended June 30, Halberg said. During the previous year, the Foundation raised about $1.9 million.

“We’ve been more aggressive about our fund raising,” Halberg said adding that it benefits the students and teachers.

Last year $1.3 to $1.4 million dollars were spent on scholarships, Halberg said. “It’s all about providing opportunities.”