"I am thoroughly delighted to be a part of HSU," Gunsalus said. "I look forward to supporting President Richmond and others in conveying the quality of HSU and involving alumni and friends in the advancement of the university."
Gunsalus will oversee the offices of alumni relations, public affairs, and graphic services, as well as ancillary programs and the HSU Advancement Foundation that interim vice president Burt Nordstrom and the Sponsored Programs Foundation Board created last year.
He was most recently associate vice president for advancement at Trinity University -- a private liberal arts university in San Antonio. Since 2003, he oversaw campus public relations, development, planned giving, alumni relations, and principal gifts -- last year bringing in about $25 million in gift income under his leadership.
Previously, Gunsalus served as the executive director of development at Seattle Pacific University, and director of development at his alma mater, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he also coached the men's intercollegiate soccer team.
"Humboldt State University is fortunate to have onboard an experienced development professional of Dr. Gunsalus' exceptional caliber," said HSU President Rollin Richmond. "Dr. Gunsalus will lead a comprehensive effort to promote the strengths of HSU and this community and will develop long-term philanthropic support for the university. We wish him success in his new role."
Gunsalus earned his bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, followed by a both a master's and doctorate in political science from, respectively, North Carolina State University and Purdue University.