The Office of University Relations works with a broad range of constituents, ranging from alumni, parents, families, Sewanee faculty and staff, friends, churches, foundations, and corporations, to help Sewanee meet its financial needs and institutional goals. To contact a staff member, click here for a contact form. You may make general inquiries or specify a staff member's name from the listing below.
As Vice President for University Relations, Debbie works tirelessly to ensure that the University meets its financial goals with respect to charitable contributions. She heads a professional team with responsibility for marketing, alumni relations, donor relations, and institutional relations, and she inspires the entire University Relations team to do their best for Sewanee.
As Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations & Parent Programs, Susan is the first call for many people who know Sewanee best—as former students or as the parents of students. Susan works tirelessly to plan and execute events and programs both on and off campus for our alumni, current and prospective students, their families, and other Univerity friends.
As Associate Vice President for Advancement, Terri oversees the Sewanee Parent Fund Association, the 45th and 50th reunion classes, and Exornati alumni. Terri supervises a great team of people in foundation and development communications, donor relations, church relations, major gifts, and content strategy.
As Associate Vice President for Athletics Major Gifts, Robert's work supports individual philanthropy regarding athletics. Robert travels the country on behalf of Sewanee to discover, grow, and build long-lasting relationships for the betterment of the University and its athletic department.
As Prospect Strategy and Advancement Data Analyst for University Relations, Renee maintains the Advancement Office moves management system of donors and prospects. As the longest serving employee in the department, each and every staff member relies on Renee's wealth of institutional knowledge and her ability to lighten anyone's mood.
As Executive Assistant to the Vice President for University Relations, Debbie Vaughn, Heather provides high-level administrative and project management support to the entire University Relations department.
As the Director of Gift Planning, Allison works with donors who are interested in making gifts through estate planning or using other assets to make their gifts.
As the Assistant Director of the Sewanee Fund, Sykes supports all Sewanee Fund projects and works closely with each alumni and reunion class, excluding the 45th reunion, 50th reunion, and Exornati alumni, to ensure that they are successful in their individual annual fundraising goals. She also manages the Senior Gift Campaign, helping to educate and celebrate Sewanee's next generation of donors.
As Executive Director of the Sewanee Fund and Advancement Services, Whitney plans and oversees all annual giving operations while maintaining and optimizing Sewanee's database of over 40,000 constituents.
As Director of Advancement Services, Gwen and her team work to ensure your gifts are processed promptly and accurately and Sewanee's information systems are accurate and current.
As Assistant Director of Advancement Services, Britney helps Sewanee better understand our constituents' needs and goals and translates them into effective systems and reports. Her work fosters better communication with alumni and other friends.
As Senior Gift Processing and Bio Coordinator, Elizabeth processes all gifts that come into the University. She can help you with gift or pledge questions as well as assist with credit card payments and receipts. You can often find her at the soccer field with her daughter.
As Senior Gift Processing and Bio Coordinator, Christy process all gifts made to the University. Contact her to update Sewanee on your biographical information or for updates on your giving history.
As the Communications and Content Strategist for University Relations, Ally serves as the creative lead for all University Relations content and is the project manager for any communications sent from our department. She also works as the liaison between UR and the Office Marketing & Communications.
As a Prospect Research Analyst, Kim supports gift officers with thorough and careful research as they initiate and cultivate relationships with Sewanee's generous donors.
As the Business Analyst for Advancement Services, Lana works with the Strategic Digital Infrastructure team to provide Advancement with data and information services needed to help facilitate workflow and enhance the operations and decision-making process for the University Relations team.
As Senior Mail Center Coordinator, Sandy oversees all outgoing campus mail, which includes list management, addressing, stuffing, and assisting Advancement Services with special projects.
As an Advancement Officer, Scott builds relationships with friends of Sewanee to help match their philanthropic interests with University needs. He visits with alumni and other friends in his travels to California, Florida, Texas, and many other Southeastern and Western states.
As Director of Parent Philanthropy, Bess works to increase parent engagement and improve overall communication between the University and our parent community. In addition to overseeing the work of the Sewanee Parents’ Council, Bess travels throughout the southeastern states, meeting with Sewanee families to align their philanthropic interests with the University's priorities.
As director of corporate and foundation relations, Hilary works to align University needs with the philanthropic goals of foundations and corporations.
As an Advancement Officer, John works with alumni, parents, and friends of Sewanee to match their philanthropic interests with the University's priorities.
