Ferrum College announces Chris Watters as New Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations
FERRUM, Virginia, January 31, 2025 — Ferrum College has appointed Chris Watters as the new Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations.
Most recently, Watters served as the Director of Alumni and Family Engagement Events at Bucknell University. In this position, she played a crucial role on a leadership team that transformed the Alumni Relations Office into the Center for Alumni & Family Engagement following a strategic reorganization in 2019.
“She is a dynamic leader committed to expanding philanthropic support, strengthening alumni networks, and fostering enduring connections that enhance the college’s mission,” said Ferrum College President Mirta Martin. “Chris brings an extensive and impressive 17-year career in alumni and family engagement, including a strong record in building donor relationships and connections that advance institutional philanthropy.”
Before her work at Bucknell, Watters served as the Director of Alumni Relations at Berry College, where she achieved outstanding results in alumni engagement and giving. Her strategic focus on building relationships with alumni and her expertise in donor engagement and fundraising helped foster an environment of increased generosity and institutional support. She also partnered with alumni association presidents and the Alumni Council, oversaw the development of a student philanthropy program, managed a wide range of alumni events, from large celebrations to smaller affinity reunions, and played a key role in cultivating long-term donor relationships.
“I am grateful to President Martin for the opportunity,” said Watters. “The work at Ferrum aligns directly with my personal values, beliefs, and mission. I am excited about being a part of the dedicated institutional advancement team and partnering across campus and with the broader Panther family to ensure that Ferrum College remains a strong pathway to a brighter future for our students.”
Watters holds an MBA with a concentration in Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University and a BS in Psychology from Berry College.
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