ÍøÆسԹÏ

     

University Relations

Vision

The vision of University Relations is to create deep and lasting relationships with our constituents while encouraging financial investments to enhance overall support for the student experience.

Mission

The mission of University Relations is to inspire our diverse group of alumni, families, and friends to engage with ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï by volunteering their time, talents, and financial resources in support of student education and the development of our institution. University Relations seeks to convert the engagement of all stakeholders to meaningful philanthropic commitments, leading to sustained financial support of the University.

University Relations Staff

Jay Fisher, C'79, P'11, P'13, P'16, P'21, Interim Vice President for University Relations

Jay brings extensive experience to the Vice President role in University Relations. He led the department from 2010 to 2020, directing the Stronger Truer ÍøÆسԹϠcampaign, which raised more than $295 million for the University. Jay has previously served the University as the executive director of the Associated Alumni from 2000 to 2006, as interim director of Marketing and Communications in 2006-07, and as interim dean of Admission and Financial Aid in 2009-10. During this interim period, Jay will build on the solid foundation of fundraising and stewardship already in place as the University Relations team prepares for Tiger Tuesday, continues the feasibility study for the University's next capital campaign, and works to implement a new customer relationship management platform. Jay will also continue his role as secretary to the Board of Trustees.

Terri Griggs Williams, C'81, Associate Vice President for Advancement

As Associate Vice President for Advancement, Terri supervises a great team of people in institutional and individual donor relations, church relations, major gifts, and content strategy. She additionally oversees the 45th and 50th reunion classes and Exornati alumni.

Walker Adams, T'18, Acting Associate Dean of Admission & Advancement for the School of Theology

As Acting Associate Dean for Admission & Advancement for the School of Theology, Walker is responsible for ensuring the seminary, and its various programs, has both the right students and the necessary financial support. Walker helps lead the University's efforts to make ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï more visible to the broader Episcopal Church. Additionally, he manages all communications with the University's Board of Trustees and with Episcopal parishes and dioceses.

Mary Catherine Alexander, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for University Relations

As Executive Assistant to the Vice President for University Relations, Mary Catherine provides high-level administrative and project management support to Interim Vice President for University Relations Jay Fisher, while facilitating communication among the entire University Relations team.

Renee Blair, Prospect Strategy & Advancement Data Analyst

As Prospect Strategy & Advancement Data Analyst, Renee maintains the Advancement Office moves management system of donors and prospects.

Stephanie Borne, Assistant Director of Alumni, Development, & Church Relations for the School of Theology

As Assistant Director of Alumni, Development, and Church Relations, Stephanie facilitates the School of Theology's alumni and annual giving programs while also supporting the Associate Dean's work with Episcopal parishes both within and outside of the 27 constituent dioceses, projects, and current fundraising initiatives.

JESSE BORNEMANN, Advancement & Communications Content Strategist

As Advancement & Communications Content Strategist, Jesse serves as the creative lead for University Relations outreach. Her work includes producing the quarterly Philanthropy & Engagement newsletter, collaborating with gift officers to develop case statements and donor materials, maintaining University Relations webpages, and assisting the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Fund with annual gift solicitations.

ALLISON CARDWELL, DIRECTOR OF GIFT & ESTATE PLANNING

As the Director of Gift & Estate Planning, Allison works with donors who are interested in leveraging their assets to support ÍøÆسԹÏ. She facilitates estate planning, IRA rollover gifts, charitable annuities, and other pathways for individual philanthropy.

Lizzie Chamberlin, C'23, Assistant Director of the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Fund

As Assistant Director of the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Fund, Lizzie collaborates with the Assistant Directors and the Executive Director of the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Fund to increase annual giving. She works with volunteers and reunion classes from 2010-2024 to encourage support. Additionally, Lizzie co-directs the Senior Leadership Board, which fosters an understanding of the importance of philanthropy among ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï students.

Claire DeBow Cotten, C'10, Major Gift Officer

As a Major Gift Officer, Claire works with alumni, parents, and friends of ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï in Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Memphis, Dallas/Fort Worth, and parts of Louisiana to align their philanthropic interests with the University's priorities.

WHITNEY FRANKLIN, Executive Director of the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Fund & Advancement Services

As Executive Director of the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Fund & Advancement Services, Whitney takes the lead in conceptualizing, planning, and executing all annual giving operations, including the University's Tiger Tuesday campaign and other development outreach. Additionally, she oversees the maintenance and optimization of ÍøÆسԹÏ's main database, which contains more than 40,000 constituents.

GWEN GENTRY, DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT SERVICES

As Director of Advancement Services, Gwen directs efforts to ensure that gifts are processed promptly and accurately and that ÍøÆسԹÏ's information systems are up to date.

Sarah Gray, C'22, Assistant Director of the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Fund

As Assistant Director of the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Fund, Sarah collaborates with the Assistant Directors and the Executive Director of the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Fund to increase annual giving, and she works with volunteers and reunion classes from 1995 to 2009 to encourage support. Additionally, Sarah co-directs the Senior Leadership Board, which fosters an understanding of the importance of philanthropy among ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï students.   

BRITNEY GREEN, Assistant Director of ADVANCEMENT SERVICES

As Assistant Director of Advancement Services, Britney helps ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï better understand constituents' needs and goals and translates them into effective systems and reports.

MAE ANNE HALE, Assistant Director of Philanthropy

As Assistant Director of Philanthropy, Mae Anne assists with donor research, communication, and stewardship for the Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations and the Director of Gift Planning.

ELIZABETH HAYES, Senior Advancement Services Coordinator

As Senior Advancement Services Coordinator, Elizabeth focuses on processing all gifts made to the University. Her work includes answering gift and pledge questions and assisting with credit card payments and receipts.

CHRISTY HODGES, Senior Advancement Services Coordinator

As Senior Advancement Services Coordinator, Christy works to maintain current biographical records for ÍøÆسԹÏ's constituents. Her responsibilities include updating contact information for the University's alumni and friends and documenting donors' giving histories.

SARAH MINGE KING, C'08, MAJOR GIFT OFFICER

As a Major Gift Officer, Sarah works with alumni, parents, and friends of ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï in Georgia, Jacksonville (FL), and parts of South Carolina to align their philanthropic interests with the University’s priorities. 

KIM MARSON, C'04, PROSPECT RESEARCH Analyst

As Prospect Research Analyst, Kim supports gift officers with comprehensive research as they initiate and cultivate relationships with ÍøÆسԹÏ's donor community.

Kim Conkell Naskedov, C'12, Stewardship & Donor Relations Coordinator

As Stewardship & Donor Relations Coordinator, Kim focuses on broadening and deepening ÍøÆسԹÏ's relationship with our donor community. Her work includes overseeing gift acknowledgements, endowment reporting, and coordinating other stewardship efforts.

Jesse-Katharine Owens McKee, Assistant Director of The ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Fund

As Assistant Director of the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Fund, Jesse-Katharine collaborates with the Executive Director of the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Fund to increase annual giving. She also works with volunteers and reunion classes from 1974-1999 to encourage support.

LANA MATTHEWS SAIN, BUSINESS ANALYST FOR ADVANCEMENT SERVICES

As the Business Analyst for Advancement Services, Lana works with the University's Strategic Digital Infrastructure team to provide Advancement with data and information services. Through her role, she facilitates University Relations' workflow and enhances decision-making.

Bailey Schmidt, Gift & Bio Processing Coordinator

As Gift & Bio Processing Coordinator, Bailey helps with processing gifts made to the University and maintaining current biographical records for ÍøÆسԹÏ's constituents. Her responsibilities include assisting with recording gifts received and updating contact information for the University's alumni.

Molly Smalley, P'20, P'26, Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations

As Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Molly works with faculty and staff on corporate and foundation grants. She cultivates and strengthens partnerships with corporations and foundations to secure funding that supports the University's academic, research, and institutional priorities. 

SANDY SMART, Senior MAIL CENTER COORDINATOR

As Senior Mail Center Coordinator, Sandy oversees all outgoing campus mail, which includes list management, addressing, stuffing, and assisting Advancement Services with special projects.

KASEY TAYLOR, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

As Assistant Director of Alumni & Family Engagement, Kasey helps plan and coordinate events, maintains correspondence with alumni, parents, friends, and students; and manages projects promoting the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Parents' Council, the Alumni Association, and the University. 

Bess Turner, P'25, P'28, Director of Family & Donor Engagement

As Director of Family & Donor Engagement, Bess leads efforts to strengthen connections between ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï and its parent, family, and donor communities. She oversees parent and family communications, Family Weekend, and events tied to Commencement and Parent Orientation, while also guiding the work of the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Parents’ Council. Bess regularly travels to Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and New Orleans/Baton Rouge to meet with alumni, parents, and other supporters and help them deepen their engagement with ÍøÆسԹÏ.

JOHN WHALING, C'07, DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS

As  Director of Major Gifts, John leads ÍøÆسԹϒs major gift fundraising strategy, research, data analysis, and portfolio management. In addition, he works closely with alumni, parents, and friends to match their philanthropic interests with the University's priorities, and he oversees fundraising for the athletic department and the Domain optimization project.

Jeff Zivan, C'93, Director of Alumni Engagement

As Director of Alumni Engagement, Jeff leads the ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Alumni Association, overseeing Homecoming Weekend, ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Club events, and all other alumni-focused gatherings on and off the Mountain. In his role, Jeff works with a wide range of campus organizations to deepen alumni engagement in recruiting/networking, admissions, and fundraising.