Nancy E. Campbell, chair of the foundation’s board of directors, said she is thrilled to announce the appointment of Karagosian, who officially assumes the role on August 19.
“Following an extensive national search, the foundation’s board of directors is confident that Karagosian is the ideal candidate to lead the organization,” Campbell said. “With his impressive background and commitment to philanthropy, we believe he will drive the foundation’s mission forward. I am excited to work alongside Nico. His expertise and vision will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to support Marshall University and its students.”
Karagosian replaces Dr. Ronald G. Area, who has served as CEO since July 2007.
“I am so pleased that Nico has agreed to join the Marshall family,” Area said. “His skill set, experiences and abilities will lead the foundation to new heights.”
Karagosian’s transition will be facilitated by Area, who has been instrumental in the foundation’s success. Together, they aim to ensure a seamless and positive experience for all stakeholders.
Marshall President Brad D. Smith said he was thrilled to welcome Karagosian and his family to Marshall University and the Huntington community.
“His proven track record of success and his unwavering dedication to advancing the strategic outcomes for educational institutions will be invaluable as Marshall continues our transformational journey in service to our strategic roadmap – Marshall For All, Marshall Forever,” Smith said.
Karagosian is joining the Marshall campus community at an exciting time and will be building on the strong foundation that Area has architected during his 17 years of leadership, Smith said.
“I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Ron for his many years of exceptional service and significant impact,” Smith said. “He has led by example, winning hearts and cultivating support in ways that have positioned Marshall for an even stronger future. We look forward to continuing this legacy of excellence with Nico at the helm.
“Please join me in thanking Ron and Beth Area for their friendship, stewardship and impact as we extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to Nico and his family to the Marshall team.”
Karagosian and his wife of 25 years, Staci, a former elementary school teacher, have five children.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Hobart College in Geneva, New York, and his MBA and Master of Science from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York. Additionally, Karagosian earned his Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification from CFRE International in 2009. He has more than 25 years of fundraising experience, including the last 12 at three R1 Carnegie Classified public universities.
He was the senior director of development at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, from 2012-2014, serving as chief development officer for the largest college on the university’s campus. He then moved on to the University of Cincinnati Foundation from 2014-2018, where he held progressively responsible senior leadership roles culminating as the vice president of advancement and executive director of the University of Cincinnati Bicentennial.
From 2018 through 2024, he served as president and CEO of the Ohio University Foundation and vice president of university advancement. While at Ohio, Karagosian led a team of 80 in their efforts to launch the largest comprehensive campaign in the university’s history. He also increased annual fundraising by more than $15 million per year, grew alumni engagement by more than 400%, and oversaw an endowment with more than $1 billion in total assets under management. Under his leadership, the Foundation earned GuideStar’s Platinum designation for transparency for four years in a row, was rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator in 2022 and 2023 and earned multiple awards and recognitions from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
“Staci and I are looking forward to working with some of the most dedicated, loyal and passionate alumni, donors, fans and friends in the nation,” Karagosian said. “We have followed and admired Marshall for many years and are honored to now be part of the Thundering Herd family and Huntington community. Thank you to Chair Nancy Campbell, the Marshall University Foundation Board of Directors, and Marshall University President Brad Smith for this incredible opportunity, and to Ron Area for his amazing work over the last 17 years in support of Marshall.”
For additional information, please contact Pam Nibert, vice president of administration and executive assistant to the president and CEO, Marshall University Foundation, 304-696-2828.