• Office

Advancement

The Institutional Advancement team at Vermont State University leads fundraising, alumni affairs, and donor relations to support the university’s mission and strategic priorities across all campuses. By building meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners, the team supports donors and volunteers looking to make a meaningful and lasting impact at Vermont State through scholarships, programs, and other initiatives.

Ernie Fernandez, a man with short brown hair, is wearing rectangular glasses, a black suit, and a grey tie, smiling at the camera

Ernie Fernández

Ernie Fernández is the Director of Institutional Advancement at Vermont State University, where he leads fundraising, alumni affairs, and donor relations across all five campuses. As Director, he prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and collaboration while working with system leaders to align university priorities with donor interest to maximize philanthropic potential. Prior to joining VTSU in 2024, Ernie spent over a decade in Institutional Advancement at Harvard University following his graduate studies there. In his free time, Ernie can be found woodworking and gardening (depending on the season) at his home in Woodstock, VT.

  • Master of Education, Higher Education Leadership, Harvard Graduate School of Education
  • Master of Divinity, Christianity, Harvard Divinity School
  • Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Philosophy, St. Thomas University

Ernie.Fernandez@VermontState.edu
802.728.1206

Sara Lussier, a woman with shoulder-length curly brown hair, is wearing a light grey sweater and smiling at the camera

Sara Lussier

Born and raised in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Sara Lussier is a first-generation college graduate and proud VTSU Lyndon alumna who has spent eighteen years advancing higher education in the region. As Associate Director of Gifts and Funds Administration, she oversees gift processing, fund administration, and compliance, ensuring all new gifts are received, receipted, and allocated promptly and accurately with respect to donor intent. The longest-serving member of Institutional Advancement, she supports systems that strengthen VTSU’s mission and believes deeply in the power of higher education and athletics. Sara is also the mother of two Vermont college students, including one who is pursuing Exercise Science and plays men’s basketball for the VTSU Castleton Spartans.

  • Bachelor of Science, Accounting, Lyndon State College
  • Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Lyndon State College

Sara.Lussier@VermontState.edu
802.626.6426

Bo McDougall, a man with short brown hair, is wearing a blue and pink checkered shirt with a navy blue jacket over top, smiling at the camera.

Bo McDougall

Bo McDougall is Assistant Director of Leadership Giving at Vermont State University. He works directly with donors to identify opportunities to achieve their philanthropic goals while supporting the university’s mission. Prior to joining the Advancement team, Bo spent 12 seasons as Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at Castleton and has 19 years of experience in higher education, including 17 years as a collegiate coach. Raised in Vermont, he is committed to supporting the students, communities, and values that define the university.

  • Master of Education, Educational Leadership, St. Lawrence University
  • Bachelor of Arts, History, St. Lawrence University

Bo.McDougall@VermontState.edu
802.468.1241

Nicki D'Agostino, a woman with short brown hair, is wearing a spotted shirt and smiling at the camera

Nicole D’Agostino

Nicki D’Agostino is a community relations professional with a strong foundation in data science. At Vermont State University, she leads data‑informed stewardship strategies and designs outreach materials that deepen engagement across Vermont and beyond. Known for building authentic, long‑term partnerships in the communities VTSU serves, she also guides strategic event planning that turns engagement into lasting connection. Nicki lives in Montpelier with her two daughters. Off hours, you can find her on an intramural court or working her way through a long book.

  • Master of Arts, Social Policy, Brandeis University
  • Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, St. Michael’s College

Nicole.Dagostino@VermontState.edu
802.728.1208

Kate Workman

Kate Workman is the Data Administrator for Institutional Advancement at Vermont State University. Prior to joining VTSU in 2022, Kate worked in Higher Education for twenty years as Assistant Director of Information Services at Florida Atlantic University, six years as Administrator for the CPNSS at the London School of Economics, and several years at Northeastern University in the Departments of Physics and University Advancement. Her granddaughter is currently a student at VTSU Castleton, studying Math and Statistics.

  • Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, Florida Atlantic University
  • Associate of Science, Arts & Sciences, Northeastern University

Kathleen.Workman@VermontState.edu