A Talented Team
Joining Ohio Wesleyan University’s Office of Development are Jim Hess (left), Jayn Bailey, Jim Kenny, and David Chambliss. Photo by Cole Hatcher.
Four new faces have joined Ohio Wesleyan University’s Office of Development, bringing a wealth of higher education experience to OWU’s fund-raising program.
Charlie Powell, vice president of University Relations, says the Development Office has significant work ahead as it explores multiple philanthropic opportunities with our alumni, parents, and friends that involve people, programs, and places on the Ohio Wesleyan campus. “Our fundraising initiatives are grounded in the OWU Strategic Plan. The Development team will be focused on seeking resources to support new curricular initiatives through the Theory to Practice program, endow 15 new faculty positions, increase student financial aid dollars, and fund the renovation plans for the residential campus and other specific academic and athletic facilities.”
Jim Kenny, OWU’s new director of development, previously served as development officer for Denison University’s Office of Major and Planned Giving. He also worked in student affairs at various colleges include The College of Wooster and Amherst College. Kenny earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Castleton in Vermont and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Colorado State University.
Kenny says he’s excited to be part of a team that will help the University fund priorities outlined in the strategic plan. “We have some great new staff members who will be reaching out to alumni, parents, and friends to seek their engagement with Ohio Wesleyan” he says.
In addition to Kenny, three new positions include development officers:
David Chambliss, former assistant director of annual giving at Ohio Dominican University. His previous experience also includes development work at Clemson University and at George Washington University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in education from Clemson. Jayn Bailey, former associate director of alumni relations at Grinnell College in Iowa. Bailey also worked in fund raising for the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Grinnell and a master’s degree in higher education policy and leadership studies from The University of Iowa. James Hess, former director of alumni and community relations at Grinnell College. He also worked in events planning at George Washington University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.“I am pleased that our new development officers have a background in higher education, and in working with alumni—as well as in development,” Powell says. “With their strong experience, I expect they will make a significant contribution towards Ohio Wesleyan’s ability to achieve its fundraising objectives.”