New University Advancement VP
June 17, 2015
UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications
UT Tyler Announces New Vice President for University Advancement
June 17, 2015
Media Contact: Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)
June 17, 2015
Wendell Jeffreys has been named the next vice president for university advancement at The University of Texas at Tyler, effective Aug. 15, President Rodney H. Mabry announced.
Jeffreys comes to UT Tyler from Colorado State University, where he currently serves as the executive director of development for the College of Business. There, he manages a staff of seven charged with raising $80 million during CSU’s ongoing $1 billion campaign. Jeffreys follows Jerre Iversen, who retired.
“Mr. Jeffreys will be an exceptional addition to our leadership team, bringing a rich variety of experience to UT Tyler. He has proven skills in development, fundraising and personal business that make him an ideal candidate as our next VPUA. I know you will join me in welcoming him to Tyler later in the summer,” President Mabry said.
Before serving Colorado State University, Jeffreys spent 16 years at Texas Tech University as the chief development officer for the College of Business and then the College of Arts and Sciences. While at the Rawls College of Business, he led a team that completed a $60 million new building campaign, most of which was funded privately. He and his team secured more than $100 million for the Rawls College during that period.
Prior to moving into higher education, Jeffreys worked in the industries of banking and agribusiness. He also was a partner in a successful company involved in the development and sale of software to automate loan applications and credit screening for small business and consumer lending.
Jeffreys also previously served as a member of the staff of former U.S. Rep. Wes Watkins of Oklahoma. He followed that work by serving as the legislative affairs vice president for Farm Credit Bank in Wichita, Kansas and then corporate manager for public affairs at American Cynamid in Wayne, N.J.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University.
One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,000 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.