CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY
Gareth Fowles sets a vision for university advancement
Lynn's vice president for enrollment and university advancement shares his hope for the future of fundraising.
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY
Gareth Fowles sets a vision for university advancement
Lynn's vice president for enrollment and university advancement shares his hope for the future of fundraising.
Gareth Fowles '99, '01
Dr. Gareth Fowles '99, '01 came to Lynn University from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, with a dream to play soccer and earn an education in America. Today he's guiding other students' college journeys, from prospect to lifelong supporter.
"I was fortunate to attend Lynn on a scholarship—donors supported my education, and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity that was provided to me," said Fowles. "Now I am in a position to broaden the philanthropic support for our students and the university."
President Kevin M. Ross appointed Fowles to lead the Office of Development, now known as University Advancement, in July 2022. The opportunity is full circle for Fowles. He began his Lynn career 27 years ago and knew he eventually wanted to be in a leadership position at a university—a place where he can make a positive difference in the lives of students.
"Upon graduating from Lynn, I didn't know that my career path would lead me to a role in enrollment management. Now knowing the impact that I can have on the front end as well as the back end of the student experience is a dream come true," he said.
Fowles has taken on an expanded role in fundraising in addition to his enrollment responsibilities.
"Many people don't realize that we have a fairly large percentage of students who need financial assistance to pursue a degree at Lynn ... I want to ensure that these students are able to take advantage of a great education at Lynn."
Gareth Fowles, Vice President for Enrollment and University Advancement
Focus on fundraising
His immediate focus is on four priorities: building on the university endowment, expanding scholarships for students, endowing professorships and deanships, and raising the remaining funds for current capital projects.
"Many people don't realize that we have a fairly large percentage of students who need financial assistance to pursue a degree at Lynn," said Fowles. "Twenty-six percent of our students are Pell eligible, which means that affording a Lynn education for these families is extremely challenging. I want to ensure that these students are able to take advantage of a great education at Lynn."
Lynn experienced one of its strongest fundraising years in 2021–22, with most donations going toward capital projects and scholarships, but there are still great opportunities. Fowles wants to connect donors with parts of the organization where they can be more impactful and contribute to something they believe in.
"I'm grateful for the donors who have taken us to where we are today, and I want to build on these great relationships, bringing in more donors whose interests align with the university’s," he explained.
For example, an avid traveler may notice the increase in flight delays and cancellations due to the pilot shortage. They can contribute funds toward training more pilots at Lynn's Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics.
Someone who has personal experience with mental illness may recognize the importance of trained counselors—they can endow a teaching position in clinical mental health counseling.
These are just a few of the connections Fowles looks to make as he bridges the needs of students with the interests of alumni and donors.
Building a winning team
While he sets the trajectory for fundraising at Lynn, Fowles is also assembling a team that can forge relationships and use data to guide their efforts—a task he knows all too well.
Fowles has built a successful admission and enrollment management team who uses innovative practices and data to drive the university’s recruitment and student success strategy. Under his leadership since 2010, enrollment, retention and graduation rates are the highest in Lynn's 60-year history. In 2022, Lynn closed all undergraduate applications for the first time.
Fowles can't help but to express gratitude for those who have worked beside him up until now. "I'm surrounded by a talented, professional, collegial and hardworking group of leaders who allow me to spread my time and leadership among other areas. They work collaboratively to build strong relationships that allow us to meet our goals and to tell incredible stories that support our fundraising priorities."
As Lynn succeeds, whether in reputation or capital, Fowles knows that the value of a Lynn degree increases.
"You want to be a part of a winning team, and the university is winning," he said proudly.