AUSTIN - Christina Read, the former executive director and chief fundraising officer for Arts Center Stage, was named vice president for University Relations at St. Edward's University. On Nov. 17, Read took over the position she once held at St. Edward's before joining Arts Center Stage's $60 million-plus transformation of the Palmer Auditorium into the Joe R. and Teresa Lazano Long Center for the Performing Arts.

During her tenure with Arts Center Stage, Read was instrumental in raising more than $30 million for the project. Previously, Read had spearheaded the university's four-year capital campaign, raising $27 million and garnering national honors. Read earned her bachelor and master of arts degrees from Michigan State University. She also serves on the board of directors for KLRU public television.

St. Edward's University is an independent Catholic liberal arts university of 3,600 students in Austin. It was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross from which it acquired distinguishing characteristics: the courage to take risks, an international perspective and the commitment to provide educational opportunities for students of varied cultural, religious, education and economic backgrounds.