College Names New Fundraising Chief

After a nationwide search, Mary Baldwin University has tapped Sherri Givens Mylott as its new Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Mylott’s 24 years of experience include serving as vice president for development at four institutions and participation in many successful campaign and fundraising programs ranging from small, private colleges to a large, comprehensive research university. Most recently, Mylott served as assistant vice president for development at Virginia Tech, where she led its university programs division in a $1 billion campaign, raising $373 million.sherri mylott

She has also developed and implemented successful post-campaign fundraising strategies and created entrepreneurial environments and a culture of collegiality. In each of her roles, Mylott has been active as a successful principal gift fundraiser, has provided administrative oversight, and has mentored and trained development and alumni officers.

Mylott joins Mary Baldwin at a critical time as the college is in the midst of the public phase of its most ambitious fundraising effort in its history, Ever Ahead: The Campaign for Mary Baldwin University.

“The priorities of Mary Baldwin University and the Ever Ahead campaign are inspiring,” Mylott said. “I am excited to be working with [Mary Baldwin President] Dr. [Pamela] Fox and the entire Mary Baldwin University community in leading the effort to build an even stronger culture of philanthropy and to successfully engage alumni, parents, friends, and others in support of these initiatives. Being able to join the Mary Baldwin team at this pivotal moment in its history is an exciting professional opportunity.”

According to Fox, Mylott’s ability to effectively articulate mission and fundraising priorities is one of many reasons she will be an ideal fit at Mary Baldwin. In addition, her balance of experience at both small and large universities and her core accomplishments in program development, team management, fiscal management, and fundraising are an ideal portfolio, Fox said.

“We are so fortunate to begin our work with Sherri,” Fox said. “I am impressed by her commitment, energy, and breadth and depth of experience. She understands the mission of Mary Baldwin University and is eager to be part of completing our Ever Ahead campaign and in assisting in forging the new strategic direction of the college.”

Before joining the team at Virginia Tech, Mylott served at Radford University, Emerson College, Dean College, Bennington College, Syracuse University, and the College of William and Mary, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in government. Mylott also earned a master of public administration at Old Dominion University and completed certificate programs at Indiana University Center for Philanthropy and Commonwealth Management Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University.