Divisions Merge to Create DARE

The Division of Advancement & Regional Engagement (DARE) came about with the merger of the former Divisions of University Advancement and Regional Development & Engagement (RDE). The Division of University Advancement has existed for decades and, in conjunction with the Frostburg State University Foundation, has a primary mission to raise funds to support the University and its students. The Division was committed to telling the FSU story, sharing the successes of our alumni, students, employees and the community. Members of the Division manage personal and business relationships to encourage philanthropy in support of the University’s initiatives. Departments include Development, Alumni Relations, Marketing & Communications, as well as WFWM, a college run NPR station.

The Division of Regional Development & Engagement (RDE) was established in 2016 with the support of then-Governor Larry Hogan to position FSU as a key driver of economic development and innovation, talent development, business growth and workforce initiatives in the tri-state region of Western Maryland, Southcentral Pennsylvania and Northeastern West Virginia. RDE connects FSU’s resources—faculty expertise, student talent and excellent facilities—with the community, fostering collaboration, solving shared challenges and catalyzing key industry sectors. Over the years, RDE has expanded to include Western Maryland’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), Government Relations, Cultural Events Series (CES), Summit Station & Legacy Business Transition Program, Challenger Learning Center & Regional Science Center, the FSU Outdoor Recreation Economy Institute (FOREI) and the TGCC & FSU Partnership, many of which are externally funded.

The number one priority for this newly merged Division is to develop a clear vision, mission and strategic plan that outlines specific and defined priorities and goals. At the same time, division leaders will look to see what synergies and efficiencies exist between the various units within the new partnership to enhance and enrich our respective initiatives and programs of work. Both Divisions have been extremely successful over the past few years, and our hope is to become even more successful as a merged Division.