On June 27th of this year, Jay Wilson was officially appointed as Chief Advancement Officer at William Woods. In his new cabinet-level position at The Woods, Wilson is now responsible for leading the University’s advancement efforts, development and alumni relations. Get to know Jay Wilson as he recently sat down to answer Five Questions for The Woods Today, as told to John Fougere:
- Where are you from, and what have you been doing professionally before coming to William Woods? I was born and raised in Sedalia, Missouri, but have called Kansas City home. Prior to joining The Woods, I spent the last two years at the University of South Dakota Foundation, and prior to that, I worked for the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) Foundation for a little over 9 years.
2. What interested you about a career in higher education?
It started in college, while I was a student at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) and got involved in fundraising through political campaigns for state officials. I quickly realized that that translated to the Higher Ed community, while I served on the UCM Board of Governors, as the Student Governor. I realize how important philanthropy was to the university, and it just felt like a natural fit.
3. What motivated you to pursue a position at William Woods University?
A good friend contacted me about the position, and knew that I was familiar with the University, as well as the area, having grown up in Central Missouri. I had also been following The Woods on social media, as I am friends with (WWU Athletic Director) Steve Wilson, with whom I worked together previously at Park University. It is good to maintain positive connections, and I was really excited to get to come to a place where I knew I would already have meaningful relationships.
4. What do you love most about your job? What is most challenging?
I like the people and the wide variety of interactions that this work offers. I also enjoy building organizations and it is really cool to be a part of a team that has a laser-focus on making The Woods a fantastic place for students to get their education. We are living in very uncertain and challenging times in Higher Ed, but I believe that only reinforces the work that we’re doing even more. I know what my own formal education has meant to me, my family and my own career, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me. I want to give others that same chance, because an education can change your life and open up doors that you never imagined walking through.
5. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I love spending time with Natalie and our four kids. We’re never not busy, with two soon to be 8th graders and two soon to be 6th graders, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I feel blessed beyond what is deserved, so being with them, as well as our tight-knit community of friends is a blast. As for hobbies, I’m an avid reader, a fan of everything sports-wise in Kansas City, and love to cook and travel. If you need me to play golf, please know that I am legitimately bad, but I’ll still make it a good time. Aside from that, if it’s summertime, I’m a beach bum, so I’ll be at the pool. I love all the seasons, but I love wintertime the most!
