Leslie Schibsted, BS 86, named vice dean of development & alumni relations at UC Berkeley Haas

Haas alumna and longtime public university development leader Leslie Schibsted, BS 86, has been named vice dean of UC Berkeley Haas Development & Alumni Relations, effective May 11.

Schibsted is a familiar face, having served in this role on an interim basis since October 2025, splitting her time between Haas and her responsibilities at University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) as executive director of campaign planning and constituent partnerships.

She also served as assistant dean of Haas Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) from 2017 to 2019, leading the team to fundraising growth of more than 100%. She played a central role in the opening of Chou Hall, the newest building on the Haas campus, and partnered closely with former Haas Dean Rich Lyons—now UC Berkeley chancellor—on his farewell tour, which raised $2 million for the Dean Lyons Faculty Leadership Fund. 

Schibsted said she’s excited to lead such a talented development and alumni relations team at a momentous time for the school. 

“Leveraging Dean Chatman’s dynamic leadership and vision, the team is poised to engage a broader spectrum of alumni and supporters at a deeper level to enhance opportunities for philanthropic impact across Haas,” she said.

Dean Jenny Chatman said she’s thrilled to welcome Schibsted back to Haas full time.

“Leslie is a remarkable leader who brings a breadth of experience, campuswide relationships, and strategic perspective—along with a deep love for Haas and UC Berkeley,” Chatman said. “I’m so excited to see what this group will accomplish together as they continue to make a transformative impact on Haas.”

Deep ties and a record of accomplishment

Schibsted, who holds an MA in education leadership and development from CSU Chico, said it’s been an honor to fundraise for public institutions throughout her career.

“Almost everyone in my extended family has benefitted from the value of a public education, in particular in the state of California,” she said. “That includes my parents, my spouse, and my two children, one who is a Cal alum. I am deeply committed to telling the story of the life-changing impact we have here.”

Schibsted credited her Haas education for the data-driven approach she takes as a leader who is always building on a strategic plan.

“We all know the value of our Haas degrees in launching careers and moving business forward,” she said. “I am eager to continue inviting philanthropic partners to invest in our people who collectively are making a transformational impact on the world.”

A team with momentum

Previously, Schibsted held senior leadership roles at San Diego State University, leading the development team as the school concluded its $800 million campaign, and at CSU Chico, where she helped launch the school’s first-ever comprehensive campaign. 

Over the past several years, as campaign director and then executive director of campaign planning and constituent partnerships at UDAR, she provided strategic leadership for Berkeley’s $7.37 billion Light the Way campaign, the largest total in history for any public university without a medical school. Schibsted has also been instrumental in shaping the university’s current campaign, which has already raised more than $2 billion. 

Schibsted steps into a team with a great deal of momentum. Recent successes include leading this year’s Big Give, a highly successful “Human Edge of Innovation” Global Alumni Tour with Dean Chatman, significant progress in raising major gifts, and the launch of the newest Haas alumni chapter in Austin, Texas. 

 “We have absolutely the best alumni and donors and the privilege of partnering with them to support our beloved Berkeley has been the opportunity of a lifetime,” Schibsted said.