CASE honors UTSA's Karl Miller Lugo with District IV Distinguished Achievement Award

Karl Miller Lugo accepts the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District IV Distinguished Achievement Award.

APRIL 17, 2025 — Karl Miller Lugo, UTSA vice president for advancement and alumni engagement, has been awarded the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District IV Distinguished Achievement Award. This honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a significant commitment to the advancement profession through exemplary service to their institution and volunteer contributions to CASE.

One of the highest honors presented by CASE District IV, the award is given to individuals who have demonstrated consistent excellence in their professional roles and contributed significantly to the advancement profession through leadership, mentorship and volunteer engagement.

Miller Lugo has supported CASE for more than 20 years, serving in various capacities. In addition to his work on the Commission on Philanthropy and his numerous presentations, he has helped strengthen advancement practices and supported the development of professionals across the country throughout his career.

“To be recognized by peers I admire and have learned from over the years is incredibly meaningful.”

Karl Miller Lugo says a few words after accepting the Distinguished Achievement Award from CASE District IV.

“Karl’s unique ability to connect people to purpose has shaped a strong culture of philanthropy at UTSA, rooted in vision, trust and impact,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “He’s played a critical role in contributing to and elevating our university’s profile while inspiring others to invest in the work of our incredible faculty and staff that transforms the lives of our Roadrunners.”

At UTSA, Miller Lugo leads a comprehensive advancement operation, overseeing University Development, Corporate and Foundation Engagement, Donor Relations, Alumni Engagement, and Advancement Services. He is a member of the President’s Cabinet and the University Leadership Council. Additionally, he has been appointed to the Executive Cabinet of the new university that will be formed through the merger and integration of UTSA and UT Health San Antonio. At the new university, he will continue to serve as vice president for advancement and alumni engagement, guiding the institution’s philanthropic vision and community engagement efforts.

Karl Miller Lugo (left) shows his Roadrunner pride during a UTSA Football game.

“Being part of the CASE community has shaped so much of my professional life,” Miller Lugo said. “To be recognized by peers I admire and have learned from over the years is incredibly meaningful. I’ve always believed in the power of education to change lives, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that mission alongside so many dedicated colleagues.”

Under Miller Lugo’s leadership, UTSA launched Be Bold: A Campaign for Our Future, the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in the university’s history. Since its public launch, the campaign has raised more than $450 million from donors including alumni, corporations, foundations and community supporters. Miller Lugo has played a central role in guiding the strategy, building donor relationships and aligning campaign priorities with the university’s long-term goals. The campaign supports key areas such as student success, research growth, campus infrastructure and community engagement, and it is designed to position UTSA as a national model for public higher education.

With more than three decades of experience in higher education and advancement, Miller Lugo has held senior leadership roles at both public institutions and in the consulting sector. Before joining UTSA, he served as Vice President at Bentz Whaley Flessner, where he focused on campaign planning and management, principal gifts, advancement assessments and building comprehensive fundraising strategies. In that role, he supported capital campaigns ranging from $10 million to $4 billion for more than a dozen universities, including Oklahoma State, the University of Alabama, Clemson and UC San Diego. He also held key development positions at UT-Austin. 

Miller Lugo holds bachelor’s degrees in public relations and Spanish, as well as an M.B.A., from Western Kentucky University.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Miller Lugo has lived in Texas for the past 19 years.

— Jordan Allen