Gardner‑Webb Names Jeff Cogburn Vice President for Advancement

Seasoned Advancement Leader Brings Proven Fundraising and Engagement Experience to the University

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner‑Webb University has announced the appointment of Jeff Cogburn as vice president for Advancement, effective June 8. Cogburn brings more than a decade of progressive experience in higher education advancement, campaign strategy, alumni engagement, and philanthropy. He will lead the University’s comprehensive efforts to deepen relationships and grow philanthropic support.

In this role, Cogburn will serve as Gardner‑Webb’s chief advancement officer, leading the University’s fundraising, alumni engagement, and advancement services efforts. He will also oversee corporate and foundation relations, major and planned giving, athletics‑related fundraising, and future capital campaign preparation. He will also serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet and work closely with the Board of Trustees, alumni, donors, and campus partners to advance the mission and long‑term goals of the University.

“Jeff is an accomplished advancement professional who brings both the experience and energy to lead our advancement efforts forward,” affirmed Gardner-Webb President Nate Evans. “He has a clear passion for connecting people to purpose, and his ability to build meaningful relationships and inspire engagement will be critical as we continue to advance the mission of the University. We are excited to welcome Jeff and his family to the Gardner-Webb community.”

Cogburn joins Gardner‑Webb during a period of strong philanthropic momentum and institutional growth. He was drawn to the opportunity to lead a fully integrated advancement operation at a defining moment in the University’s trajectory, bringing together strategy, relationships, and execution to support students and advance Gardner‑Webb’s mission.

“Gardner‑Webb has real momentum, and that’s a credit to the alumni, parents, donors, supporters, and advancement professionals who have built a strong foundation,” Cogburn highlighted. “At its core, advancement is about people. Every relationship we build and every dollar we raise should create opportunity for students and strengthen their experience.”

Most recently, Cogburn served as assistant vice chancellor of Alumni Affairs in the Division of Advancement at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), where he led alumni engagement and annual giving strategies that contributed to two consecutive record‑setting fundraising years. Under his leadership, UTC experienced a 212% increase in total dollars raised, a 25% growth in total donors, and a 40% increase in alumni engagement, leading the University of Tennessee System in percentage to goal.

At UTC, Cogburn served as a senior advancement leader during a chancellor transition, helping maintain alignment and momentum amid evolving institutional priorities. He partnered closely with development, advancement services, communications, foundation leadership, and intercollegiate athletics to strengthen engagement, stewardship, and institutional visibility. He also provided executive leadership for alumni engagement, annual giving operations, budgets, and alumni board governance, while collaborating with senior leadership on campaign planning and major gift strategy.

Previously, Cogburn held several advancement leadership roles at Clemson University in South Carolina. His roles included chief development officer and unit lead for the College of Education. In that role, he served on the college leadership team, managed a comprehensive donor portfolio, and partnered with faculty and academic leadership to align philanthropic priorities with institutional strategy. He also served as co‑chair for the Scholarship Pillar of Clemson’s $1.889 billion Fiercely Forward campaign, advancing student access, affordability, and scholarship investment.

Earlier in his career, Cogburn served at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in Johnson City. There, he helped co‑found the institution’s first coordinated annual giving program, establishing sustainable donor pipelines and comprehensive solicitation strategies. His experience spanned alumni engagement, annual giving, parent philanthropy, major gifts, advancement operations, and board partnership.

Cogburn holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in business administration from ETSU. He is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in leadership and professional practice at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A recognized leader in the advancement profession, Cogburn has received multiple honors, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Excellence in Fundraising Award and the Circle of Excellence and District III Best of District Awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). He is a frequent presenter on advancement strategy, alumni engagement, and governance.

As Gardner-Webb’s Vice President for Advancement, Cogburn’s initial focus will be on listening and learning—building trust, strengthening alignment, and continuing to foster a strong culture of philanthropy across campus. “‘One Webb’ is more than a phrase; it’s how the work gets done,” Cogburn emphasized. “When the president, board of trustees, cabinet, alumni, and campus partners are aligned with shared purpose, advancement is positioned to be most effective. I’m excited to build on the strong foundation already in place and help position Gardner‑Webb for long‑term success, including future campaign opportunities.”

Cogburn also expressed appreciation for the leadership of Interim Vice President of Advancement Karen Bruce during the advancement transition and shared his enthusiasm for joining an energized and committed team.

“From my first visit, it was clear that Gardner‑Webb is a special place,” he expressed. “The authenticity of the people, the student experience, and the integration of faith and learning stood out immediately. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of what comes next—for the University and for my family.”

Cogburn and his family look forward to becoming active members of the Gardner‑Webb campus and surrounding communities.

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.