Averett University’s President, Dr. Tiffany M. Franks, believes in listening. She began her presidency with what she called “Sun Porch Sessions,” small group chats where Dr. Franks could meet and listen to the Averett community.
Understanding the importance and value of listening, Dr. Franks heard stakeholders talk about where they thought the school was headed, and then as part of the listening process, Averett University embarked on a campaign feasibility study to gain a more clear focus on where the school needs to go.
Capital Development Services conducted the 35-person feasibility study beginning in the Fall of 2009, and used the feedback gained from the study to launch a campaign planning phase that reshaped the school’s advancement team and its program.
Buddy Rawley was hired as the Vice President of Institutional Development, an Annual Giving Director position was added, and the Alumni and the Communications functions were also given a fund development focus, thus creating a more cohesive team in the true sense of the word, working together toward a common goal of advancing Averett University’s mission.
“INSERT quote here from Buddy.”
As of 2011, Averett University has launched the Quiet Phase of its campaign. They have recruited strong leadership, momentum gifts have begun, and they are now calling on former and current Trustees for their involvement in raising funds toward identified needs of $25 million. To date (6/2011) over $9 million has been raised!
From quiet listening by its leader to a successful campaign quiet phase now well-underway with strength in its leadership, Averett University is a model of listening and planning in order to be successful.
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