LR appoints new director of annual giving

Lenoir-Rhyne University announces the appointment of Tatum Pottenger as the director of annual giving.

In this role, Pottenger works with alumni on matters of institutional priorities, as well as supporting students on campus through philanthropic efforts.

"Everyone has been so lovely and welcoming," Pottenger said. "I know it's an unusual time to be jumping into a place that is so driven by community, but, in spite of social distancing, everyone has been lovely."

A Durham, North Carolina, native, Pottenger comes to Lenoir-Rhyne from Davidson College where she has been for the last three years, including most recently as the associate director of annual giving.

In that position, Pottenger worked on everything from volunteer engagement to multi-channel marketing. In her last two years, the college raised a remarkable $18.9 million and $18.3 million, respectively, receiving gifts from more than 55 percent of the alumni base each year.

"We are very excited about Tatum joining the Lenoir-Rhyne team," said Assistant Vice President of Development Liz Cox. "She brings with her a great deal of experience in relationship building, stewardship of donors and alumni, best practices within multi-channel marketing and communication and an amazing work ethic to the position."

A Davidson alumna, Pottenger began her career as a third-grade teacher with Teach for America's Eastern North Carolina Corps before moving into the world of philanthropy and higher education.

"One of the great things about annual giving in higher education is you get the chance to talk to people about what they love about their alma mater and how they can support a place they value in a way that is meaningful to them," Pottenger said.

"I feel like I'm coming on board at an exciting time with a lot of energy from faculty and staff for what Lenoir-Rhyne is and what it's going to be over the next few years. There is some very exciting growth ahead."