Home / People / Jeff Cogburn, CFRE Jeff Cogburn, CFRE Vice President for Advancement Jeff Cogburn is Vice President for Advancement. He leads the University’s comprehensive efforts to deepen relationships and grow philanthropic support. Previously, he was employed as assistant vice chancellor of Alumni Affairs at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His experience also includes serving at Clemson University in South Carolina, where he held the roles of chief development officer and unit lead for the College of Education, director of development for Parent Philanthropy and Student Affairs, and associate director of development for the College of Education. Earlier in his career, Cogburn served at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in Johnson City as the assistant director of Annual Giving and assistant to University Advancement. He 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. Cogburn enjoys spending time with family, playing golf, singing, and following college athletics. Three Questions Get to know Jeff beyond the job title. Describe your job: I build support and advocacy for Gardner-Webb, our president, and our people. In Advancement, we build relationships and inspire generosity by connecting alumni, parents, friends, and others with meaningful opportunities to engage with and invest in the University. What is one project, initiative, or aspect of your work that excites you right now?Being new to Gardner-Webb, I’m excited to continue learning about the incredible impact philanthropy has across our campus and to help tell that story to even more people. We’re working to broaden opportunities for engagement and giving, not only for alumni, but also for parents, students, friends, and others who believe in Gardner-Webb.There’s a lot ahead, but two marquee opportunities are already on my calendar: Homecoming on Nov. 7 and Double Dawg Day on April 8. Save the dates! What’s something your Gardner-Webb colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?They probably aren’t surprised (anymore) that I wear bow ties, but they might be surprised to learn that I once sang in a competitive barbershop quartet. That may partially explain the bow-tie affinity! What does “One Webb” mean to you?To me, “One Webb” means being all in for Gardner-Webb. No contribution is too small or too big. From picking up a piece of trash or pulling weeds to making a million-dollar ask, it all matters.At the end of the day, we each have a responsibility to leave this place better for everyone blessed to have Gardner-Webb in their lives: students, employees, alumni, donors, families, and our broader community. We are One Webb because it takes all of us, working together and pulling in the same direction, to elevate Gardner-Webb.
