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Wayne Webster
Vice President For Advancement at The College of Wooster
Professional Background
Dr. Wayne Webster is a seasoned executive in higher education advancement, currently serving as the Vice President for Advancement at The College of Wooster. In this pivotal role, he led the public phase of Wooster's Promise campaign, successfully securing an impressive $190 million and an additional $35 million for renovating the Lowry center. His effective leadership and strategic vision have significantly enhanced the college’s fundraising efforts and overall advancement.
Before joining The College of Wooster, Wayne held the Vice President position at the University of Northern Colorado where he played a fundamental role in launching the institution's first comprehensive fundraising campaign. His extensive experience includes serving as Vice President for Advancement at Ripon College. Here, he oversaw a wide array of initiatives including development, alumni relations, and marketing. Wayne was instrumental in executing a five-year comprehensive campaign that significantly surpassed its fundraising goals, ultimately raising $67.3 million, which illustrated his inherent ability to galvanize support and resources for higher education.
Wayne’s comprehensive experience extends back to his time as the Director of Major Gifts and Interim Director of Planned Giving at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. Throughout his tenure at Gettysburg, he was key in raising funds essential for constructing the $27 million Jaeger Center for Athletics, Recreation, and Fitness, as well as securing the lead gift for setting up a center focused on leadership studies. He also contributed to fundraising efforts during his earlier tenure at Doane College, which successfully raised nearly $50 million as part of a $45 million campaign.
Across all his roles, Wayne has brought strategic oversight to various initiatives such as strategic plans, campus master plans, and annual budgets. He has successfully implemented innovations that led to the creation of new or enhanced campus facilities, endowed funds for both student and faculty support, as well as new academic and co-curricular initiatives. Furthermore, Wayne is recognized for his collaborative work with governing boards, striving to refine their structures and practices to maximize their efficacy in serving their respective institutions.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Webster has a remarkable academic background that includes a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University, known for its esteemed Graduate School of Education and Human Development. He also holds a Master of Arts in Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration, both obtained from Doane College. In his commitment to professional growth, Wayne earned a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from the prestigious Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.
Wayne has co-authored chapters published in notable works such as Facilitating Higher Education Growth through Fundraising and Philanthropy (2016) and Disability and Equity in Higher Education Accessibility (2017). His insights and experiences have led him to present at numerous CASE regional conferences, covering key topics including campaign planning and the evolving role of a campus vice president in the context of advancement.
Achievements
Throughout his dynamic career in higher education fundraising, Wayne has successfully led fundraising campaigns that have collectively raised over $250 million in philanthropic support. His proven track record of exceeding campaign goals and enhancing institutional financial health underscores his competency and dedication to advancement in the higher education sector. Wayne’s expertise not only lies in fundraising but also in fostering enduring relationships with alumni, parents, and community supporters, making him an invaluable asset to any institution he serves.
In the landscape of higher education advancement, Dr. Wayne Webster stands out as a leader committed to driving growth and ensuring that the institutions he serves are well-resourced for the future. His vision and strategic oversight continue to shape the way colleges and universities engage with their communities, facilitating innovative development strategies that contribute to the broader mission of higher education.