 Connie Harris |
Harris joined the Wabash Advancement Office staff in June, 1997 as the College began its unprecedented $132.5 million Campaign for Leadership.
"Not only has Connie Harris been successful in helping us reach the aggressive goals of Wabash's campaign, she has established a number of long-standing relationships with the alumni of the College," said Wabash Dean for Advancement Mark Jones.
Harris's appointment at Meredith comes after a comprehensive national search that included preliminary interviews by a search committee, chaired by Jean Jackson. Harris also completed a daylong, on-campus interview that included discussions with Meredith President Maureen Hartford, administrators, alumnae, faculty, staff, students, and trustees.
"I am delighted to welcome Connie Harris to Meredith College," said President Hartford. "She has an excellent combination of experience and appreciation for single gender education. She will be a wonderful addition to the Senior Management Team."
Harris has more than 10 years of fundraising experience in a higher education setting, including five years at all-male Wabash, where she has been responsible for cultivating leadership gifts. Harris also managed campaign committees and served as the lead recruiter of new campaign volunteers. She was largely responsible for cultivating and soliciting Campaign and annual fund gifts from Wabash alumni and friends along the East Coast.
"Our active regional alumni association here in Washington, D.C. is the direct result of the hard work and dedication of Connie Harris," said Greg Castianias, a Wabash alumnus and attorney at the Washington, D.C. firm Jones Day. "We are grateful for all that she has done for Wabash and wish her luck in her new position."
Prior to joining the development staff at Wabash, Harris was director of development for Earlham College, in Richmond, Indiana. Harris holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University.
"It's been a real privilege to represent Wabash and my time here has prepared me for this new challenge at Meredith College," says Harris.
As Meredith's vice president for advancement, Harris will oversee the College's upcoming capital campaign, which will include identifying prospects, developing solicitation strategies, soliciting key presidential prospects, and supporting campaign leadership and volunteers. In addition, Harris will manage a staff of 15 development and alumnae relations professionals.
Harris is looking forward to joining the Meredith administration next month.
"I consider this a wonderful opportunity to join an outstanding educational community that has great leadership in President Hartford and her senior management team, a faculty focused on teaching and learning, a committed and hard-working staff, and a dedicated alumnae population," she said.