Kacy Caboni

Western Kentucky University President Tim Caboni won’t be alone as he starts his first week on the job.

Kacy Caboni, his wife, has been named director of principal gifts and special initiatives within WKU’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations, according to a news release.

The part-time position will pay Kacy Caboni just more than $35,000 annually, according to WKU spokesman Bob Skipper.

Responding to the news last week, retired president Gary Ransdell said her new job “is no courtesy hire.”

“She’s got an impressive resume and a strong development background,” he said. “She’s been a development officer at Kansas State University and at the University of Kansas and brings impressive experience and has raised a lot of money.”

To her new role at WKU, Caboni brings 13 years of higher education fundraising experience. She most recently served as development director and team leader for the University of Kansas Endowment Association with a focus on fundraising for the university’s School of Business. She has broad experience in winning over donors and a solid ability to work with university leadership, faculty and staff, the release said.

John Paul Blair, WKU interim vice president for development and alumni relations, said in the release that he’s looking forward to working with Caboni.

“WKU has former development team members whose careers have led to positions in the SEC, Big Ten and Big 12, so we are delighted to gain Kacy’s 13 years of experience with two exceptional Big 12 institutions in the University of Kansas and Kansas State University,” he said. “Kacy has a strong record of fostering philanthropic outcomes and we are excited by the impact she will have working with alumni and friends to help shape WKU’s future through their private support.”

Kacy Caboni officially begins the job Monday and will work with existing and potential donors.

“I look forward to growing philanthropic support of the University and continuing to elevate its national stature with my development colleagues,” she said in the release.