Fulton, MO – Dr. Jeremy Moreland, President of William Woods University (WWU), today announced the appointment of Jay Wilson as the University’s new Chief Advancement Officer. Wilson will begin his new position at The Woods on July 1.
A veteran of nearly two decades of experience in higher education advancement and leadership, Wilson comes to William Woods from the University of South Dakota, where he has been serving as President and CEO of the University’s Foundation since 2022.
In his new cabinet-level role at William Woods, he will be responsible for leading the University’s advancement efforts, development and alumni relations.
“We are fortunate to welcome a visionary and accomplished higher education advancement professional of Jay’s caliber to join our leadership team here at William Woods, to help us continue our legacy as Missouri’s fastest growing small town university,” said President Moreland. “His extensive experience and proven record of achievement in university advancement will be extremely valuable to WWU as we continue growing to more effectively serve our mission. With the addition of Jay, we are well-positioned for the foreseeable future to engage with donors, alumni and other supporters of William Woods University.”
“As a kid who grew up in central Missouri, I am thrilled to return home and join a storied institution like William Woods University, which has a rich history, an exciting present and bright future,” said Wilson. “The growth in enrollment, academics and athletics over the past few years at William Woods has been truly impressive, and I look forward to helping continue that growth through building relationships and cultivating support from alumni, donors, corporations and foundations.”
Since 2018, Wilson has spearheaded the raising of more than $208 million in gifts while leading development teams at two major public research universities, including the University of South Dakota, where he served as President and CEO of the school’s foundation, and the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC), where he was Assistant Vice-President and Interim President of the institution’s foundation (2018-2022). Serving as a cabinet member at both institutions, Wilson was particularly successful in athletics fundraising, leading a 1,000% increase in UMKC athletics fundraising during a period of conference transition. Past experience also includes serving in development positions with UMKC Health Sciences, UMKC School of Medicine, Park University and the Kansas City Sports Commission.
Wilson is a graduate of Park University, where he received his Master of Public Administration in Public Policy, and the University of Central Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. A U.S. Navy veteran and native of Sedalia, Missouri, Wilson and his partner Natalie are the proud parents of four children: Wyatt, Hayden, Gemma and Jordyn.
