WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (June 10, 2026) — Des Moines University (DMU) Medicine and Health Sciences welcomed Elizabeth Kozor MBA, as its first-ever director of corporate, foundation and grants relations.
Kozor will provide leadership in those strategic fundraising efforts for the university, building high-impact relationships locally and nationally to drive significant philanthropic investment in DMU.
"We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth to Des Moines University in this important, newly envisioned role," says Stephanie Greiner MS, vice president for university advancement.
"Her deep experience in higher education and proven success in building meaningful partnerships will be instrumental as we expand our corporate and foundation relationships."
Kozor notes DMU has a strong base of corporate support through the university's annual Glanton Event and looks forward to growing partnerships with organizations whose vision and goals align with the work DMU does to advance medical research and train exemplary health-care professionals.
"We know Iowa faces challenges with health care access, particularly in rural areas," Kozor says.
"As a leading producer of primary-care providers and rural practitioners, DMU's partnerships with foundations and corporations can help us continue to meet vital needs in our community."
Kozor has spent her entire career in higher education. She worked for more than a decade at Drake University, most recently as director of development communications, where her primary responsibility was securing grants for Drake's institutional priorities. She also worked with campus leaders to oversee the development of the university's messaging platform for its comprehensive campaign.
"My experiences have impressed upon me the power that philanthropy has to drive innovation and be an agent of change, which is what inspires me to do this work," Kozor says.
They've also reinforced her belief that higher education is the best pathway for both individual and societal advancement. She sees fundraising as a natural extension of this belief, with investments from individuals and organizations playing a pivotal role in helping universities meet their commitments to students.
Kozor holds Bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism and Mass Communication, as well as an MBA in non-profit management, all from Drake University.
Outside of her full-time work, Kozor serves as a member of the Grant Professionals Association — Central Iowa Chapter and a member of the National Alumni Board for Drake University. She lives in West Des Moines with her husband and daughter.
