Gardner-Webb Alumnus Logan Simpson Named Director of the Bulldog Club

Experienced Coach and Fundraiser to Lead Athletic Fundraising Efforts

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Vice President for Advancement Jeff Cogburn has named Logan Simpson director of the Bulldog Club. A GWU alumnus and accomplished coach, Simpson returns to his alma mater with fundraising experience and a passion for enhancing the student-athlete experience.

Simpson joins the Gardner-Webb Advancement Team on Sept. 1. He comes to the role after serving as the head men’s and women’s swim coach at Converse University in Spartanburg, S.C., where he oversaw significant growth and success for both programs. During his tenure, Simpson led Converse’s inaugural men’s swimming program, earned Conference Carolinas Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year honors in 2025, expanded team rosters, and helped raise more than $30,000 to support program operations.

“Returning to Gardner-Webb is such a blessing and an exciting opportunity,” Simpson shared. “Not only is it my alma mater, but it’s where I spent much of my childhood after my dad started the swim program. It’s a homecoming in so many ways.”

In addition to his coaching experience, Simpson previously served as assistant director of the Bulldog Club from 2014-15. In that role, he helped manage the University’s athletics booster club, developed fundraising initiatives, organized member events, and coordinated donor communications.

Now, as Bulldog Club director, Simpson will work to increase membership and strengthen relationships with alumni and supporters. He will also expand sponsorship opportunities and enhance philanthropic support for Gardner-Webb’s 22 NCAA Division I athletic programs.

Simpson said his coaching career not only helped him develop skills in recruiting, budget management, and strategic planning, but also gave him a firsthand understanding of the impact donor support can have on student-athletes and athletic programs. “I know from personal experience the tremendous asset that the Bulldog Club can be as our programs pursue championships and work to provide a second-to-none experience for our Runnin’ Bulldogs,” he added. “To think that I get to do that day in and day out at Gardner-Webb is incredibly exciting.”

Cogburn noted that Simpson’s background aligns well with the mission of the Bulldog Club. “We’re excited to welcome Logan back to Gardner-Webb,” Cogburn said. “His experience as a head coach, fundraiser, and Gardner-Webb alumnus gives him a unique perspective for this role. He understands both what our coaches and student-athletes need to be successful and how meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, and corporate partners can help make that possible.”

Simpson holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Gardner-Webb University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

The Bulldog Club serves as the primary fundraising organization for Gardner-Webb Athletics, providing essential support that enhances the student-athlete experience and helps Runnin’ Bulldog programs compete at the highest level.

To learn more about joining the Bulldog Club contact Simpson at [email protected] or 704-406-4630.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.