WKU’s Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Kathryn Costello told administrators she is retiring.

She will become a special advisor to President Gary Ransdell in hiring a new vice president, according to a memo between Ransdell and the WKU Real Estate Corporation. Costello also serves as President of the WKU Foundation.

She will serve as special advisor until December 31, 2015, and she’ll retain her current full salary through that time. She informed several administrators yesterday of the decision.

Costello began her career at WKU in 2011. She has more than 30 years of business and management experience. Before coming to WKU, she served as Vice President for Development at the University of Buffalo since 2006. She’s planned and implemented fundraising campaigns totaling more than $1 billion.

The Herald will update this story as more information becomes available.