Deborah Rhebergen, Vice Dean for Advancement
Steven J. Fluharty, Dean and Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Professor of Psychology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, recently named Deborah Rhebergen Vice Dean for Advancement, succeeding Jean-Marie Kneeley, who retired in August after 26 years in that role.
As Vice Dean for Advancement, Rhebergen is directly responsible for the planning and implementation of a comprehensive program of alumni relations, fundraising, and public relations on behalf of the School.
She joined Penn as Associate Vice Dean for Advancement in Arts & Sciences in November 2019. In that role she led the Arts & Sciences major gifts team to the successful conclusion of the Power of Penn Arts & Sciences Campaign. Prior to coming to Penn, she was Assistant Dean of Development and External Relations at the University of Maryland College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, where she oversaw fundraising and outreach efforts for over 80,000 alumni and other constituents, as well as marketing and communication.
Rhebergen holds a master’s degree in education leadership and policy studies from the University of Maryland. She began her career managing political campaigns before returning to work in development at her undergraduate alma mater, Lafayette College.
“We know Deb looks forward to partnering with us on the opportunities ahead,” says Fluharty. “Her personal passion, combined with her strong knowledge of the Penn community, has her well positioned to lead our Advancement Office as we move into what promises to be an exciting new chapter of Penn’s history.”
