Robert Black, C'89, tapped to lead Sewanee's athletic fundraising efforts
The University is focused on student success as one of its top priorities. With more than 30% of Sewanee students participating in varsity athletics, Sewanee recognizes that intercollegiate athletics play an important role in helping our students flourish and thrive on campus.
To support this priority, Robert Black, C’89, who has served in senior leadership roles in the University Advancement office for more than a decade, will now lead the fundraising efforts for Sewanee athletics.
Just as the University’s recent fundraising focus on financial aid and faculty resources will allow more students to have an even more dynamic Sewanee education, so too will improved athletic facilities and competitively resourced programs and coaches improve the experience for Sewanee’s student-athletes.
“Robert’s experience as a Sewanee athlete, coach, parent, and administrator provides an invaluable resource to help us improve every aspect of the Sewanee student-athlete experience,” said Director of Athletics John Shackelford. “He will play a critical role in developing close relationships with the many alumni, parents, and community members who care so deeply about our student-athletes.”
Black joins the Department of Athletics’ administrative staff alongside Director of Athletics John Shackelford, Assistant Director of Athletics for Internal Operations Carrie Hanshue Austin, and Assistant Director of Athletics-Senior Woman Administrator Tracey Braden. Since 2017, Black has served as associate vice president for major gifts.
“Robert is a seasoned development professional who has worked extensively to develop our major gifts officers. He and his team played a lead role in the University’s recent Stronger, Truer, Sewanee campaign, which generated more than $297 million in private support,” said Debbie Vaughn, vice president for University Relations. “We look forward to Robert now leading the fundraising efforts for Sewanee athletics to elevate those efforts for the benefit of our student-athletes.”
