Dan Martin

Dan Martin serves as the president of KU Endowment, the independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to securing and managing philanthropic support for the University of Kansas. In this role, Dan leads efforts to cultivate transformative investments that advance KU’s mission of education, research, and public service. He works alongside a dedicated team responsible for stewarding contributions, maximizing their impact, and ensuring a lasting legacy of support for KU’s students, faculty, and programs.

Dan earned three graduate degrees at the University of Kansas—an MBA, a J.D., and an Ed.D.—each of which played a formative role in shaping his professional pursuits and leadership philosophy. The education he received at KU provided the foundation for his career in higher education, equipping him with a unique blend of strategic, legal, and educational expertise. Returning to KU as the president of KU Endowment is a deeply meaningful opportunity for Dan, as it allows him to contribute to the institution that played such a significant role in his professional development. 

KU Endowment is in the final stages of its largest-ever capital campaign, Onward: Toward Infinite Possibility, a $2.5 billion initiative that serves as a catalytic resource for transformational projects and programs. The campaign supports groundbreaking efforts such as the Gateway District, which includes a new football stadium, conference center, housing, and hotel, as well as a state-of-the-art building for the KU Cancer Center. In addition to funding these visionary projects, the campaign advances KU’s mission through scholarships, academic programs, and critical infrastructure, ensuring the university’s impact and relevance well into the future.

Dan brings decades of leadership experience in higher education, healthcare, and philanthropy to his role at KU Endowment. Prior to joining KU Endowment, he served as a university president for fifteen years and held executive positions focused on strategic planning, finance, enrollment management, communications, and philanthropy in both higher education and healthcare. His professional journey has deepened his understanding of the transformative power of philanthropy and underscores his commitment to ensuring the continued success of KU and key partners, such as The University of Kansas Health System.

Dan is passionate about building relationships and advancing KU’s mission through collaborative, forward-thinking initiatives that honor donors’ generosity and empower the university to thrive well into the future.