Liz Vohwinkel, an experienced professional in fundraising, higher education and donor and alumni relations, including several previous years at UCLA School of Law, has rejoined the law school as its associate dean for external affairs. In this role, Vohwinkel will oversee the law school’s extensive development and external endeavors, including alumni relations, annual fund and major gifts to support the school’s students, faculty and academic programs.

Vohwinkel previously worked at UCLA Law for four years as senior director of development. During that time, she gained a close connection to the law school community, leading a dedicated team of fundraisers, personally raising millions in individual gifts, and spearheading successful giving campaigns. Her accomplishments consistently exceeded annual targets and cultivated a dynamic culture of philanthropy among alumni and stakeholders.

For the past two years, Vohwinkel has served as executive director of development at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. There, she oversaw all external affairs activities and comprehensive fundraising efforts that were aligned with the institution’s mission and vision. Under her leadership, the School of Music achieved several remarkable milestones, including surpassing fundraising goals and witnessing substantial increases in principal, major and annual giving, as well as in donor and alumni engagement.

“We are, quite simply, thrilled to be welcoming Liz back to the UCLA Law family, although she never really left,” says Dean Michael Waterstone. “Her work at the School of Music has been impressive. She is committed to thoughtful leadership, mentorship and management with a dedication to excellence; external affairs service values; and fostering a growth environment. Many people in our community already know and admire her, and I am excited to watch her steer our external affairs efforts to even greater success.”

Vohwinkel previously held key roles at United Way of Southern Nevada, and she holds a B.S. in public administration, with honors, from the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.