Roanoke College recently announced Nathan “Nate” Stewart ’03 will be joining the institution as its vice president for advancement. A Roanoke College alumnus, Stewart brings with him a deep love for – and understanding of – Roanoke College and Southwest Virginia, the college said in a statement.
Stewart, who currently serves as associate vice president and chief operating officer for Development and Alumni Engagement at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, was selected after a national search. He will be responsible for providing vision and strategic leadership for a comprehensive, data-driven, and agile fundraising and engagement strategy designed for 21st century donors and a rapidly changing higher-education environment.
“Nate’s strategic, relational approach stood out during the selection process,” said President Frank Shushok Jr. “He brings a proven track record of fundraising, team building and innovation, along with a keen awareness that small colleges must evolve rapidly. These talents and insights, combined with the fact that he is already a passionate Maroon, make him an ideal leader to help us chart the future of Roanoke College.”
Stewart earned his Bachelor of Science degree in health and human performance from Roanoke College, where he was also a standout on the men’s basketball team. He went on to earn a Master of Science degree in health and physical education from Marshall University while beginning his career in athletics as a graduate assistant for men’s basketball.
After graduate school, Stewart continued coaching, serving alongside legendary Maroon Frankie Allen ’71 as an assistant coach at Radford University, and at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Stewart developed significant fundraising experience in subsequent administrative roles as assistant athletic director for advancement and director of athletics and athletic development at Eastern University and director of athletics at Carthage College. At Centre College, Stewart’s acumen for advancement, strategic planning and relationship building has helped the college secure contributions for the largest capital project in college history and make significant gains in overall fundraising.
Stewart said it has long been a dream of his to return to the college that fostered his personal and professional potential and instilled in him a lifetime desire to serve others. Joining him in Salem will be his wife, Lauren, and their sons, Noah and Reid.
“I am truly humbled to have the opportunity to return to Roanoke College and work alongside the talented faculty, staff and students on a daily basis,” Stewart said. “Thank you to Dr. Shushok, the search committee and the board of trustees for this incredible opportunity. Lauren, Noah, Reid and I cannot wait to join the college and Salem communities and establish relationships with alumni, parents, friends and supporters of Roanoke College. I am excited to advance the college’s mission in partnership with Dr. Shushok, the board of trustees and my outstanding colleagues in the advancement and alumni office. This will be a team effort, and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and beginning work in August.”
Stewart will join the college’s senior leadership team and report to Shushok with a tentative start date of Au. 5.
-The Salem Times-Register
