Swain named associate VP of foundation relations, alumni engagement

Sarah Swain (’05) has been named associate vice president of foundation relations and alumni engagement at Campbell University.

Previously the assistant VP of alumni engagement, Swain is responsible for creating and implementing a program to increase foundation giving at Campbell University in her new role. She also serves as a collaborative and critical partner with Campbell’s 10 academic units to help address and fulfill their goals while building on existing relationships and establishing new foundation partners in order to move the university’s mission forward. 

Since January 2021, Swain has personally generated more than $1.7 million in private foundation support for the Second Chance Initiative, Wiggins Memorial Library capital needs and other projects. She also provided key support in securing $1 million from the State of North Carolina for the Second Chance Program as well as coordinating a $1 million estate gift to establish the Ester Howard Research Fellows program.

“Through my work with the Second Chance Initiative and the Library, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity connect foundations whose philanthropic mission aligns with Campbell’s mission of educating and supporting our students,” Swain said. “There’s joy in seeing a project or program flourish because of the generosity of others. Those investments are what help Campbell to continue to thrive and I appreciate being a part of that process.”

Swain joined the Campbell University Advancement team in August 2013 as director of annual giving, and was promoted to assistant vice president for alumni engagement in January 2016. Since that time, the university’s Alumni Engagement program has done just that — engaged alumni in new and innovative ways around signature events such as Homecoming and new initiatives including active alumni chapters, Student Alumni Ambassadors, Campbell Orange Owned, CamelLink and more.

Swain continues to head Campbell’s strategic planning and growth for alumni engagement and University annual giving. As executive director of the Alumni Association, this role works to support the Association’s vision of creating mutually beneficial relationships between the University and its 54,000 alumni.

Following her graduation, Swain worked as an income development officer for the American Cancer Society in Eastern North Carolina after graduation. She completed her Masters in Philanthropy and Development degree from LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia.