Following an extensive national search, Lander University today announced that seasoned philanthropy executive Robyn Hoffman has been selected as the institution’s next Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of The Lander Foundation.
Hoffman, who is currently Vice President of Philanthropy at St. Thomas University in Miami, Fla., will begin her duties at Lander on October 1. She will oversee all operations of Lander’s foundation and advancement division, including alumni relations.
“With more than 25 years of philanthropy experience in the educational and governmental sectors, Robyn Hoffman has proven herself to be a strategic fundraiser and a dynamic, collaborative leader,” said Lander University President Richard Cosentino. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep passion for higher education, and for supporting students through robust philanthropic efforts.”
Hoffman joins the University at a time when Lander’s fundraising and endowment are stronger than ever before, including record levels of giving in three of the last four years. “Robyn has the acumen and relevant experience to leverage that momentum and drive our advancement and alumni efforts to greater heights,” President Cosentino said.
Hoffman said she was drawn to Lander because “it is a thriving, vibrant university” with a leadership team that is committed to student success and institutional growth. “I am honored to be part of this exciting moment in Lander University's history, where enrollment continues to grow, where the campus footprint is expanding and being enhanced, and where alumni, donors, and the surrounding community are engaging in new and meaningful ways with the institution. I look forward to getting to know people, listening to their stories, and to facilitating connections to the University's students, programs and strategic goals.”
At St. Thomas, Hoffman serves as the chief advancement officer and is responsible for the fundraising and alumni engagement efforts for the university and its College of Law. Additionally, she manages the university’s Office of Career Services, as well as external relations, focusing on corporate, foundation, and governmental support and partnerships.
Her efforts have helped drive unrestricted giving at St. Thomas to a historic high, including tripling support for the institution’s annual fund since June 2021. In addition, she led a comprehensive fundraising campaign that yielded $50 million in support for facilities, scholarships and the endowment. A highly skilled grant writer, Hoffman has also secured millions in grant dollars from state and federal agencies, private foundations and corporations over the course of her career.
Hoffman said she is excited about the opportunities ahead at Lander. “I can't wait to get to know the campus community, Greenwood community, and our proud Lander University alumni who are working throughout South Carolina and having an impact on their local communities,” she said. “As part of that process, I hope to uncover synergies, foster collaboration, and share all of the exciting things happening at Lander so that more people engage with us and become advocates for – and eventually deeply committed investors in – the institution and its students.”
Prior to St. Thomas, Hoffman served as philanthropy lead with the Green Sports Alliance, where she was directly responsible for developing and managing relationships with high-level partners and funders, including ESPN, College Football Playoff, MLB, NASCAR, Nike, EPA and WWF. She has also served in advancement-related leadership roles with educational, government and non-profit organizations in Kentucky and Ohio.
An active volunteer in her community, Hoffman was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Boy Scouts of America’s South Florida Council. She also currently serves as a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Miami Chapter, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
The Pascagoula, Miss., native is the proud mother of three daughters: Dr. Hayley Hoffman, who is on the faculty at the University of Kentucky; Dr. Lauren Hoffman, a pediatric resident at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio; and Caroline Hoffman, who works in talent acquisition at Nationwide Children's Hospital.