Beginning June 1, 2020, the Office of Development has transitioned its name to the Office of Advancement, and Andy Wilson of Middletown, Ohio joined Chowan University as Vice President for Advancement.  

In the years that the division was known as Development, the team worked endlessly to help constituents develop an understanding of Chowan, acquire financial support for numerous programs, and essentially develop the University. Earlier this year when, John Tayloe, former Vice President of Development, transitioned to serve as Assistant to the President and Executive Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving and a search for a Vice President began, it was clear that the division was evolving into a position to advance the University. “The transition of Development to Advancement modernizes the division into how it currently functions. Development reflects primarily the fundraising program. Advancement encompasses a broader approach by its inclusiveness and acknowledgment of the professional divisions of Public Relations, Development, Alumni Relations, and Church Outreach. Our divisions do so much more to advance the university than just Development” shared new Vice President Andy Wilson, who was instrumental in the change.  

"The opportunity to serve as Vice President at Chowan University is incredibly humbling and exciting. I look forward to engaging with Chowan’s trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alumni as well as the churches throughout the region. Under President Peterson's leadership, Chowan is poised for incredible growth spiritually, academically, and through philanthropy,” shared Andy as he began working with the Advancement team before his arrival on June first. 

Wilson brings more than twelve years of executive leadership in higher education and over 28 years of fundraising experience. He most recently served seven years at The University of Tennessee at Martin, where during his tenure, the University received the largest gift in its history of $22 million and completed the state match for a new $65 million engineering and science building. Before that, he served as Associate Vice President for University Development at Tennessee Technological University, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Northern Kentucky University, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Lexington Catholic High School, and Director of Alumni Affairs at his alma mater, Campbellsville University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Throughout his career, Andy has had numerous community involvement, including Rotary and local Chamber of Commerce. 

“We are excited to have Andy at Chowan and to complete the Senior Team. He has been working with the Advancement Team and getting to know Trustees before his arrival. This shows his dedication and drive to hit the ground running. His past accomplishments show that he has the abilities necessary to assist Chowan’s advancement into the future” shared Kirk Peterson, President. 

Wilson has been married to his college sweetheart, Ami Wilson, for 28 years and has two children, Emily and David. Emily is a senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, studying marketing and communications. David is a rising junior in high school and currently owns and manages a weekly curbside recycling business. Ami is an independent demonstrator with Stampin Up! and enjoys volunteer work. 

Please join Chowan University in congratulating Andy Wilson on his appointment as Vice President for Advancement.