Alan Medders

Named Vice President For Philanthropy

BY BUFFY LOCKETTE

Dr. Alan Medders, who served as interim vice president of advancement from July to November 2023, was appointed vice president for philanthropy by the Board of Trustees – bringing with him 30 years of higher education leadership experience.

This decision reflects a title change for the Jax State Division of Advancement as well as its senior leader. The division is now be known as the Division for Philanthropy, led by the vice president for philanthropy.

“The board and I are pleased Dr. Medders agreed to continue serving in this role for the long term,” said Jax State President Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. “He has a strong track record of securing major gifts at peer universities throughout his impressive career. We feel he will play a vital role in advancing the university in the years ahead.”

Medders has served as vice president of advancement at three universities over his career, including Campbellsville University in Kentucky, the University of North Alabama and Columbus State University. Since 2017, he has served as principal of Higher Education Leadership Search.

Native to Anniston, Medders completed his undergraduate education at Samford University upon graduating from Anniston High School in 1980. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts, he began his career in ministry, earning a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky. He received a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2013.

In his new role, Medders provides senior leadership for the Division for Philanthropy, with oversight of the university’s fundraising, alumni relations, and marketing and strategic communications efforts. He also serves as executive director of the Jax State Foundation.

“I was honored to serve in the interim role as I am now to assume the permanent position,” Medders said. “I am excited about the university’s philanthropic opportunities and what I believe we can achieve at Jacksonville State.”

Medders resides in Anniston with his wife of 38 years, Jax State alumna Denise Huckaby Medders, with whom he shares two daughters, Alison and Andrea, as well as two grandchildren.

The Office for Philanthropy, rebranded from the Development Office in November 2023, serves as a strategic hub for fundraising, donor relations and stewardship activities - ultimately advancing the mission, vision and goals of the university. This newly revamped department is designed to foster a culture of cultivating and stewarding relationships with alumni and donors in an effort to help them achieve their philanthropic goals. All philanthropic efforts are aimed at ensuring long-term financial sustainability for the university, allowing it to continue investing in academic programming, student scholarships, faculty development, facilities and so much more.