Kacy S. Caboni

Kacy Schmidt Caboni serves as Western Kentucky University’s First Lady, representing the university at campus and community events while advancing the President’s strategic institutional vision. She also serves as Director of Principal Gifts and Special Initiatives in the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, where she facilitates the cultivation and stewardship of the university’s largest donors and prospects, in coordination with the Office of the President.

 

Bringing to WKU extensive experience in development and fundraising, Kacy led the establishment of the WKU Opportunity Fund in 2018, an effort designed to raise $50 million in student support. After eclipsing the initial goal within just three years, President Caboni and Kacy expanded the campaign target to $100 million, which was successfully achieved in 2024 - significantly strengthening student support and access at WKU.

 

Prior to coming to WKU, Kacy served as a development officer for the College of Business Administration with the Kansas State University Foundation. She previously held multiple leadership roles with the University of Kansas School of Business through the KU Endowment Association, including development officer, development director and team leader. Kacy was instrumental in securing private philanthropic support for the construction of a new home for the KU School of Business, Capitol Federal Hall, which was funded entirely through private gifts. She also contributed to the success of the $1.2 billion Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas; managed a national pool of major gift prospects; trained and managed development and administrative staff; and directed programs for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship for prospective and present major gift donors.

 

Kacy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kansas State University.