Meet the Advancement Team

University Advancement

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

Natalie is the Vice President of OWU's University Advancement office, where she leads strategic efforts to strengthen the university's mission through philanthropy, alumni engagement, and community partnerships. As an attorney with experience in nonprofit, government, and higher education sectors, Natalie brings a unique blend of legal expertise and strategic vision to her role. She is passionate about fostering growth and creating opportunities for students, faculty, and the OWU community through her authentic and purpose-driven leadership style. Natalie earned a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University with a double major in Politics & Government and Psychology. She earned a J.D. from Capital University Law School and has been a licensed attorney in Ohio since 2006.

Executive Assistant to the Vice President
dmpercer@owu.edu  | 740-368-3312

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.

Advancement Research Analyst
kjrossi@owu.edu | 740-368-3058

Kevin assists the University Advancement team with constituent research. Kevin also monitors news and alerts to track the many exciting accomplishments by our alumni and friends throughout the world. 

Kevin earned his B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan in Neuroscience and Genetics. He returns to OWU with a wide breadth of experience in the nonprofit sector, including grantmaking, board management, and grassroots organizing.

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.

Gift Administrator
elstoner@owu.edu  | 740-368-3304

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

Development Officer for Athletic Giving
cjcosgrove@owu.edu | 

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.

Donor Relations & Advancement Communications

Assistant Director of Stewardship
ldallen@owu.edu  | 740-368-3330

Lindsey oversees stewardship for the Annual Giving Societies and supports stewardship for major donors, volunteers, and advancement communications. She aims to consistently and meaningfully celebrate Ohio Wesleyan donors, while also highlighting the impact of their generosity to them as well as to the broader OWU community. 

Lindsey earned her B.A. in English from The Ohio State University. She has more than 10 years of experience working in program management, stewardship, and donor relations in the non-profit sector.

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

Ericka leads the communication and donor relations 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 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

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

Major Gifts Officer
cmlewis@owu.edu | 

As a first-generation student, Cheryl is passionate about helping future students complete their educational goals, which is why she's spent the majority of her fundraising career in higher education. An alumna of Heidelberg University, where she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in English and education, she personally and professionally understands the value of a strong liberal arts background. For the past eight years, she worked in Major Gifts and Advancement Services at Heidelberg.

Joining the Ohio Wesleyan Development Team in May 2025, Cheryl will look to build relationships with OWU alumni, parents, and friends in order to increase philanthropic support and strengthen the incredible OWU liberal arts experience. Specifically, she will focus her efforts on Florida, New England, Northwest Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.  

Major Gifts Officer
snrebman@owu.edu | 740-368-2015

As Major Gifts Officer, Scarlett builds relationships and secures philanthropic support to further Ohio Wesleyan's mission. She is passionate about the liberal arts and is committed to ensuring that OWU continues to deliver transformative educational experiences to its students. Prior to joining OWU, Scarlett gained extensive experience as a fundraiser and grantmaker with cultural nonprofit organizations. She has also been a part-time instructor in the history department at OWU.

Scarlett earned her B.A. in history and education from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2009. She earned her Ph.D. in history from Syracuse University in 2022. She lives in Blacklick with her partner, three kids, a chocolate lab, two black cats, and a goldfish. 

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.

Director of Major Gifts
dasweeney@owu.edu | 740-368-3996

Doug serves as Director of Major Gifts, leading efforts to connect Ohio Wesleyan's donors with opportunities to create enduring philanthropic impact for OWU and its students, faculty, and staff. An experienced fundraiser in higher education, social services, and cultural settings, Doug is inspired by gifts that are as meaningful to the donor as they are to the nonprofit recipient.

Doug earned a B.S. in Business Administration from The Ohio State University and an M.S. in Sport Management from West Virginia University.

Assistant Director of Sponsored Projects and Research
sezimmerman@owu.edu  | grants@owu.edu | 740-368-3322

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 Connection
mrellis@owu.edu | 740-368-3149

Jill provides event planning and administrative support to the OWU Connection team.

In her role, she helps plan and execute campus-wide events, including the OWU Connection Conferences and the Spring Student Symposium. Jill is also the coordinator of the Student Assistantship Program and Legacy Internship Program, in which she aids students in gaining practical work experience through on-campus internship opportunities. She 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.