Radford University today named Wendy Lowery to be the University’s next vice president for Advancement.
In the position, Lowery will serve as a member of President Brian O. Hemphill’s cabinet and will be responsible for strategic and operational planning for advancement, developing and managing systems of accountability for staff in all areas of major gifts, planned gifts, corporation and foundation relations, alumni relations and annual giving.
“Wendy brings to Radford University more than 15 years of extensive and diverse experiences, with leadership and proven results in higher education fundraising and alumni relations,” said President Hemphill. “On behalf of every member of the Radford family, I extend a warm Highlander welcome to Wendy as she brings her valuable expertise and many talents to Radford University. We look forward to her numerous contributions to the University’s senior leadership team and the University Advancement office, as together we embrace Radford’s traditions and envision our future. I know that Wendy will elevate our philanthropic giving and alumni engagement operations through her vast knowledge and demonstrated success.”
Currently, Lowery serves as vice chancellor for Institutional Advancement at University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) and executive director of the UNCP Foundation, Inc. Her accomplishments have included increasing the overall endowment, increasing comprehensive fundraising efforts and corporate support, and launching the university’s first comprehensive five-year capital campaign. Her previous advancement positions include interim vice chancellor and associate vice chancellor for the Division of Institutional Advancement and director of Development at Fayetteville State University; corporate relations director for the Sandhills region of the American Heart Association in Fayetteville, N.C.; and director of annual fund and parent programs at Methodist University, Fayetteville, N.C.
“Radford University is positioned for continued greatness,” said Lowery. “Consistent with President Hemphill’s vision to help ‘transform Radford University into an innovative, premier university in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond with a keen focus on teaching, research and service,’ we will enhance the philanthropic arm of the university, focus on continued alumni engagement and create an organization prepared for 21st century fundraising. I have heard many great things about both the University and community, and look forward to joining the Radford family.”
Lowery earned a B.A. in political science from UNCP in 1999 and a M.P.A. from UNCP in 2007.
Lowery will assume her new role at Radford University on Aug. 1.
— Submitted by
Sherry Wallace