JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Following a national search led by the firm of Isaacson Miller, as well as broad participation from the President, the Cabinet and members of the Board of Trustees, Saint Peter’s University announced today the appointment of Elizabeth S. (Beth) Kornstein as the new Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Strategic Engagement. Beth has served in this same role on an interim basis since August, and her appointment solidifies the progress and commitment she has shown towards the university since then.
“I am pleased with the appointment of Beth Kornstein as our new Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Strategic Engagement,” said Saint Peter’s University President Hubert Benitez. “For the past several months, Beth has demonstrated a deep commitment to the University and the communities we serve, and she has embraced this role as an opportunity to elevate the presence and stature of Saint Peter’ University. Her leadership, vision, and dedication will be instrumental as we strengthen engagement, philanthropy and strategic partnerships in support of our mission”
Beth joined Saint Peter’s on August 13, 2025, having brought three decades of advancement leadership with her. She had previously served as Interim Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations and President & COO of the Foundation at NJIT. Beth has vast experience leading successful fundraising campaigns, cultivating principal gifts and building strong relationships with donors, boards and institutional partners. We are confident that Beth’s expertise and strategic vision will help advance our philanthropic and engagement efforts as she embraces her new role on a permanent basis.
In her capacity as Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Strategic Engagement, Beth will oversee the University’s comprehensive fundraising efforts, as well as alumni, community and institutional engagement initiatives. She will work closely with the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees, as well as the University’s Alumni Board and Board of Regents. Beth will be responsible for further developing the team in Institutional Advancement to ensure proper support towards the needs of the strategic plan. The Vice President oversees the offices of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, Leadership and Planned Giving, Advancement Operations and Analytics and Institutional Engagement.
Beth enthusiastically accepts the permanent role, noting: “I am honored to continue working alongside President Benitez, the Board of Trustees, the Jesuit community, and my Cabinet colleagues in advancing the mission of Saint Peter’s University, New Jersey’s only Jesuit institution of higher education. Together with our alumni and community partners, I look forward to building sustainable support that enables transformative education for our talented and hardworking students and provides meaningful societal impact here in Jersey City and beyond.”
Read more about Beth’s experience and role at Saint Peter’s University.