First, serving in an overarching role, the office coordinates the building of financial relationships with external and internal constituencies of the university that serve to enhance the quality of the academic programs and promote and support faculty and student development goals.  It seeks to engage opinion leaders and others of influence in the future well being of the university.  It pursues these efforts through the units of Development and Alumni Affairs.

The second component is to serve in the leadership role in connecting the assets of the university to the wider regional community in such a way as to enhance the economic and social well being of the university's service area.  It accomplishes this through the two major units of Econonmic and Community Development and Continuing Education.