Early last week, Longwood University’s Office of University Advancement faced a major change with the departure of Chief Development Officer Dr. Bryan Rowland. According to Justin Pope, the Office of the President’s chief of staff, an email that Brenda Atkins, vice president for Commonwealth Relations, sent to university faculty and staff will serve as the university’s sole statement about the change.
According to Atkins’ email, Rowland “chose to formalize his intent to look for the next step in his impressive career.” Atkins’ email elaborates that Rowland has started looking for opportunities at other institutions but will remain at the university in the meantime as special assistant to the president.
Rowland began his work at Longwood in July 2011 as vice president for University Advancement. He was involved in the raising of the university’s $41 million capital campaign, a seven-year campaign that closed in June 2013.
Franklin Grant will now serve as senior associate vice president for Advancement,
Atkins added in the email. Grant, whose eligibility for full retirement begins in
February, is “reconsidering the timing of his retirement after decades of dedicated and distinguished service to Longwood.”
According to Atkins’ email, the university will give “fresh attention to the
University’s Annual Fund, with closer engagement by Victoria Kindon [vice president
of strategic operations within the Office of the President] and her team working with the development staff that oversees annual giving.”
Check the Jan. 29 issue of The Rotunda for updates and additional information.
