Ellen McLain

Ellen has worked with Mizzou Advancement since 1996 and currently serves as Executive Director for University Programs. She oversees fundraising for the Chancellor’s Fund for Excellence, MU Scholarships, MU Libraries, Student Affairs/Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, and Graduate Studies. Ellen serves as the advancement office’s liaison to the Office of the General Counsel in handling complex gift agreements. In addition, she manages the endowments office and works closely with the Office of Gift Planning in assisting donors who wish to remember Mizzou with an estate gift or deferred gift. Ellen also provides leadership to Mizzou Women Give, Mizzou’s women’s philanthropy program.

Previously, Ellen worked in the Office of Gift Planning and the College of Arts and Science advancement office, as well as serving the MU College of Engineering as chief advancement officer. She also has acted as the advancement liaison for the Mizzou Botanic Garden and continues to assist with major gift work for the Garden.

Ellen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Communication from Truman State University, a JD from the Washington University School of Law and a Certificate in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University.