Meet the Advancement Team

University Advancement

Vice President of University Advancement
nmdoan@owu.edu | 740-368-3015

Natalie oversees the University’s Alumni Relations, Development, and Career Services teams while supporting the strategic objectives of University Advancement. She is responsible for working with loyal alumni and friends to ensure the success of the $200 million Connect Today, Create Tomorrow campaign.

Natalie joined Ohio Wesleyan in October 2012 as a development officer for planned giving and became director of donor relations in October 2014.

Natalie earned a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University with a double major in Politics and Government and Psychology. She earned a J.D. from Capital University Law School and has been a licensed attorney in Ohio since 2006.

Advancement Operations

Senior Associate Director of Advancement Operations and Data Specialist
pdeyerma@owu.edu | 740-368-3318

Paula establishes database integrity and oversees gift processing, importing, and training.

Paula earned a B.S. in Administrative Management at Bowling Green State University. She has 27 years of non-profit/higher-education experience with the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges.

Constituent Records Coordinator
jlgarloc@owu.edu | 740-368-3316

Joni is responsible for the daily maintenance and research of constituent records including biographical, contact, and employment information. She also provides assistance to those working with the University Advancement website.

Joni has a B.S. in Business Administration, concentrating in Advertising and Public Relations from Youngstown State University. She also completed her B.A. in English at OWU in 2017. She has a decade of University Advancement experience.

Research Analyst
tihallin@owu.edu

Tess Ireland Hallinan works remotely from Denver, assisting Advancement Operations with constituent research. She has worked in the Advancement field since earning her B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University where she majored in Sociology and Anthropology. While attending OWU, she was a part of Kappa Alpha Theta and the OWtsiders, Ohio Wesleyan’s co-ed a capella group. She served on the Advisory Board of OWU’s Richard M. Ross Art Museum from 2009 until 2018.

Director of Prospect Research, Management, and Advancement Operations
rcsherma@owu.edu | 740-368-3305

Rebecca oversees the Advancement Operations team, which includes data management, gift processing, research, analytics, reporting, training, and technology, with an emphasis on research and constituent management.

Rebecca earned a B.A. from Bowling Green State University with a major in Business and a minor in Communications. She has over 12 years of University Advancement experience with Bowling Green State University, the College of Charleston, and Ohio Wesleyan University.

Alumni Engagement

Associate Director of Alumni & Volunteer Engagement
ndbowlby@owu.edu  | 740-368-3307

Nicholas oversees regional programs and volunteer management and stewardship in his role with the Alumni Engagement team at Ohio Wesleyan. He joined OWU in April 2022.

Nicholas earned a B.A. (Public Relations) from Southern Illinois University, a M.A. (Marketing Communications) from the University of Illinois, and a Ed.D (Higher Education) from the University of Denver.

Assistant Director, Alumni Events and Experiences
msburke@owu.edu | 740-368-3057

Mindie builds relationships with, and provides service to, alumni, parents and friends of Ohio Wesleyan University with the goal of developing and strengthening meaningful alumni communities and increasing loyalty through events and programs. Mindie is responsible for signature events such as Homecoming & Family Weekend, Reunion Weekend, regional holiday events, and more. She has worked at OWU for twelve years previously working as the Gift Processor, Secretary to the Dean of Academic Affairs and Administrative Assistant for University Advancement.

Senior Associate Director, Alumni & Family Engagement

nbrutkow@owu.edu l 740-368-3171

Nancy is responsible for the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of alumni and families and aims to create opportunities for these groups to become further engaged with Ohio Wesleyan. She provides support for the 20 - 40th & 60th + reunion classes, Greek affinity programming, parent & family engagement initiatives, and oversees the A/PART program. 

Nancy earned her B.A. and M.Ed. from University of Toledo. She has spent the last  3+ decades as a student life administrator at Ohio Wesleyan.

Director of Alumni Relations and Engagement
kpwebste@owu.edu | 740-368-3329

Katie leads the Office of Alumni Relations and works to create meaningful opportunities for connection for alumni with their alma mater. Her office coordinates the annual Reunion Weekend in May and Homecoming & Family Weekend in October, in addition to other signature and regional events around the country. Katie also works with the Ohio Wesleyan Alumni Association and Alumni Board of Directors.

Katie earned a B.A. from John Carroll University with a major in Communications. She has over 20 years of experience in non-profit settings, relationship management, and advancement leadership. She originally joined OWU as the 50th Reunion Program Director and also oversaw the 45th and 55th reunions.

Annual Giving

Assistant Director of Annual Giving
aecaryl@owu.edu | 740-368-3302

In partnership with volunteers, Acadia focuses on class giving to Ohio Wesleyan’s Annual Giving programs. Acadia works with many alumni classes, including the 35th, 40th, 60th, and 65th reunions, and helps manage digital communications and fundraising efforts for the Annual Giving team.

Acadia earned her B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan in English Literature and Psychology.

Assistant Director of Annual Giving
eccreasap@owu.edu | 740-368-3303

Emily is responsible for the personal cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors, specifically focusing on student philanthropy and the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th reunion classes. She works closely with volunteers and other Advancement staff to solicit contributions from and increase engagement of Ohio Wesleyan alumni.

Emily earned a B.A. from Ashland University with a major in Public Communication. She comes to Ohio Wesleyan with over eight years of advancement experience at The Ohio State University at Marion. 

Associate Director of Advancement
mdaniels@owu.edu | 740-368-3319

Makenna oversees two of Ohio Wesleyan’s signature programs: the 50th reunion program and the annual day of giving. As a member of the Annual Giving team, Makenna partners with volunteers to connect and serve alumni with the goal of creating meaningful experiences and securing philanthropic support for the University.

Makenna earned her B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan in 2015 with majors in Mathematics and Religion and her Master of Theological Studies from Boston University.

Associate Director of Annual Giving
mmgettman@owu.edu | 740-368-3045

Mandy leads the annual fundraising efforts for Leadership giving in Ohio
and New York City and the Parents Fund. Mandy also oversees the 1842
Society and she recruits members for and manages the Parents Leadership
Council.

Mandy earned a B.S. in Business Administration with majors in Marketing
and Transportation & Logistics from The Ohio State University.

Director of Annual Giving
jphatfie@owu.edu | 740-368-3042

Julia provides leadership for the Annual Giving team, which raises unrestricted support for the University through the Ohio Wesleyan Fund, academic departments, and Team OWU. Julia manages the comprehensive strategy for the department, leadership giving, multi-channel communications, and data manipulation and analysis for the Annual Giving team.

Julia earned a B.A. in Politics & Government from Ohio Wesleyan in 2006, and an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University. She joined the Annual Giving team in 2015 after three years in Alumni Relations at Ohio Wesleyan. In prior years, she led giving efforts for the 20th to 25th reunion classes.

Assistant Director of Athletic Giving and Events
btmohrmann@owu.edu | 740-368-3323

Barrett provides leadership for Team OWU, which raises unrestricted support for athletics at Ohio Wesleyan University. He manages the events and giving campaigns which fund our 24 varsity teams, as well as leads giving efforts for the 30th reunion class.

Barrett earned a B.A. in English & Art History from the College of William & Mary in 2012. He joined the Annual Giving team in 2022.

Communications & Donor Relations

Director of Advancement Communications
eakurtz@owu.edu  | 740-368-3338

Ericka leads the communication strategy for University Advancement. She collaborates with the UA team to implement communication projects that support program goals and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, and friends.

Ericka earned a B.A in English, a B.S. in Public Relations, and an M.B.A. all from Heidelberg University. She has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit communications and fundraising. Ericka previously worked at OWU in the Office of University Communications from 2003-2010 and returned to OWU in her current role in 2019.

Associate Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations
mereese@owu.edu | 740-368-3308

Maureen assists the Director of Donor Relations. Through stewardship, she works to build lifelong relationships with donors and their alma mater.

Maureen graduated from the University of Dayton with a bachelor’s degree in History. She earned a master’s of education from Miami University in educational administration. Maureen has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and has been in University Advancement for nine years.

Planned Giving

Jenny Batchelder

Assistant Vice President, University Advancement and Director of Gift Planning
jajoerge@owu.edu | 740-368-3043

As Assistant Vice President of University Advancement, Jenny oversees Annual Giving, 50th Reunion giving, and Foundation efforts for OWU, while managing the Advancement budget and Connect Today, Create Tomorrow progress and goals.

As Director of Gift Planning, Jenny provides philanthropic planning guidance to alumni, parents, and friends of OWU. She also works with the Tower Society, OWU’s recognition society for donors who have made estate provisions for the University.

Jenny earned a B.A. from the University of Indianapolis in Political Science and History and a J.D. from the Ohio State University. She has more than 10 years of University Advancement experience.

Administrative Assistant for Gift Planning, Stewardship, Foundation, Corporate and Governmental Relations, and the 50th Reunion Program
dslewis@owu.edu | 740-368-3078

Debbie graduated from Bliss Business College in Columbus where she studied travel and tourism. She has 33 years experience working in a non-profit setting with expertise in development support, Raiser’s Edge database building and customer service.

Debbie provides administrative services to the office of Gift Planning, the 50th Reunion Program, and the office of Stewardship, Foundation, Corporate and Governmental Relations in their mission to build relationships with, and provide service to, alumni, parents and friends of Ohio Wesleyan University with the goal of securing philanthropic support.

Development Team

Director of Major Gifts
trjordan@owu.edu | 617-386-6249

Ryan leads the Major Gifts team, which is responsible for securing philanthropic commitments from OWU alumni, parents and friends. In addition to leading the Major Gifts team, Ryan also builds relationships with and provides service to alumni, parents, and friends of Ohio Wesleyan with the goal of securing increased philanthropic support for the University. He focuses his efforts in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, Northeast Ohio and Upstate New York.

Ryan earned a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University with a double major in Economics with a Management Concentration and Spanish. Prior to returning to Ohio Wesleyan, Ryan held multiple advancement positions at Kalamazoo College and the University of Vermont. He has served on OWU’s Board of Trustees as a graduating class trustee (2009-2012) and as a junior board member (2014-2017) on the Woltemade Center’s Alumni Advisory Board.

Major Gifts Officer
jzmcnabb@owu.edu | 865-566-4455

Jake builds relationships with, and provides service to, alumni, parents, and friends of Ohio Wesleyan University with the goal of securing philanthropic support for the University. Specifically, he focuses his efforts in Northern New Jersey, New York City, Connecticut, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Jake also leads international philanthropy efforts for University Advancement. A native Tennessean, he lives and works remotely in Knoxville.

Jake earned a B.A. from Emory & Henry College with a major in Economics. He has held numerous positions in higher education philanthropy, including prospect research, annual giving, and major gifts. Prior to joining Ohio Wesleyan, Jake worked in major gifts at Duke University.

Executive Senior Gift Officer
agseiler@owu.edu | 443-691-9565

Annie builds relationships with and provides service to alumni, parents, and friends of Ohio Wesleyan University with the goal of securing philanthropic support for Ohio Wesleyan University. Specifically, she focuses her efforts in Maryland; Washington, D.C.; and Virginia.

Annie earned a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University with a major in Education. She has held numerous positions at Ohio Wesleyan in the Admissions office, Alumni Relations Office and Development Office. She has 23 years of University Advancement experience.

Major Gifts Officer
besomers@owu.edu  | 919-943-1585

Senior Major Gifts Officer
dlwilcox@owu.edu | 740-368-3922 | 937-935-4024 (cell)

Dacy builds relationships with and provides service to alumni, parents and friends of Ohio Wesleyan with the goal of securing philanthropic support. She specifically focuses her efforts in Alabama, California, Georgia, Indiana, NW Ohio, New Mexico, and Texas.

Dacy has 15 years experience in higher education with time spent in professional school admissions, annual fund operations and major gifts, all at Ohio Northern University. She is a graduate of the Ohio State University with a B.A. in English and M.A. in journalism.

Foundation Relations Manager
sezimmerman@owu.edu  | 740-368-3312

Susan works collaboratively with partners across campus to develop fundraising strategy for foundation and government funders. Her primary objective is to connect the interests of funders with institutional priorities in order to further Ohio Wesleyan’s mission.

Susan joined the Ohio Wesleyan staff in October 2021. She earned a B. A. and M. A. in English from The Ohio State University and has worked in higher education since 2012.

Career Connection

Assistant Director for Internships and Externships
mbagin@owu.edu | 740-368-3152

Mindy coaches students on internship success strategies, networks with employers to develop internship opportunities, and works with alumni to develop externship (career exploration) experiences. She helped create “The Bishop Launch Program," an intern development program designed to help students become confident, competent and competitive internship and job seekers.

Prior to joining OWU, Mindy worked for 10 years as a Career Strategist in the Career and Workforce Development Program at Jewish Family Services in Columbus, OH. Mindy holds a BA in Judaic Studies and Political Science from Emory University and an MS in Human Resources Management from the New School for Social Research in NYC, NY. Mindy is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Executive Director, OWU Career Connection
mrellis@owu.edu | 740-368-3149

Megan earned a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University with an Economics Management major and Psychology minor and a Master's of Education in Higher Education from Pennsylvania State University with an Certificate of Institutional Research.

Megan is responsible for designing and implementing the OWU Career Connection which will be a wholistic four-year program preparing OWU students for life and professional success. She works closely with students, faculty and staff, alumni, community members, and corporate partners to create opportunities for personal and career development for OWU students.

Megan is also the Director of the Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at OWU and an advisor for Delta Gamma OWU Chapter and Hillel. 

Jill plans and executes the Career and Graduate School Fair and the Internship & Summer Job Fair. She coordinates student programming and appointments and on-campus recruiting for Career Connection. As coordinator of the Student Assistantship Program and Legacy Internship Program, she aids students in gaining practical work experience through on-campus opportunities.  Jill joined Ohio Wesleyan in 2017.   Jill earned a B.E.S. in Communication Disorders from St. Cloud State University in 2001. 

Career Catalyst, Careers with Social Impact
nskimberly@owu.edu| 740-368-3642

As a Career Catalyst (Careers with Social Impact), Newton works with students to help connect them to socially charged careers that align with their personal mission. Utilizing the amazing tools in the Career Connection office, Newton creates and maintains connections with students and employers to help ensure quality experiences for students, both pre and post-graduation, as well as quality and qualified candidates for employers. 

Newton has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Cleveland State University.  Prior to returning to OWU, Newton worked as an Academic/College Advisor with I Know I Can and as the Development Associate for TECH CORPS.

Newton’s Office is located in Elliott 009.

Assistant Director, Career Catalyst Program and Liaison for the Economics and Business Department
ctlammer@owu.edu | 740-368-3549

As Assistant Director, Career Catalyst Program and Liaison for the Economics and Business Department, Carolyn is responsible for educating students about career resources and connecting them to great internship and job opportunities with the ultimate goal of preparing them for life after OWU!

Carolyn has a Bachelor’s Degree in Interpersonal and Public Communication from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Labor and Human Resources from The Ohio State University. She has a wealth of experience in multi-level corporate recruiting, student advising and internship program management.

Director of Career Development
lemascolin@owu.edu  | 740-368-3152

Leigh oversees the Career Connection office, supervises staff, and provides strategic leadership in the OWU Career Connection program. She provides individualized career coaching to students and establishes rapport with staff, faculty, employers, and Alumni to expand job prospects and graduate/professional opportunities for OWU students.

Leigh has a B.A. in Psychology from Ohio State and an M.S./Ed.S. in Career Counseling from Florida State, where she was trained under the Cognitive Information Processing (CIP) theory. She is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and an MBTI Certified Practitioner. Leigh served as President of the Ohio Career Development Association and has most recently worked as the Manager of Career Services in the College of Pharmacy at Ohio State.