Franklin Pierce University has hired Jennifer Raxter as its new vice president for institutional advancement.
Raxter, who brings more than 15 years of development and advancement experience to the position, held the position of associate vice president for major gifts and annual giving at Bristol Community College in Massachusetts, where she closed the largest gift in the college’s history.
Her prior experience included director-level advancement and giving positions at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and development positions at both Wheaton College and Massachusetts General Hospital.
She earned her master’s degree from Chapman University and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts.
Raxter has also lent her development and fundraising skills to community and nonprofit organizations such as the Global Learning Charter School and ArtWorks!, both in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
“Jennifer brings not only the depth of experience and track record of success that we are looking for at Franklin Pierce,” said University President Kim Mooney, “But she does so with an enthusiasm and energy that will endear her to the Franklin Pierce community both internally and externally. We look forward to her arrival on campus.”
Raxter’s hire comes at an important time for Franklin Pierce, as the university gains momentum under the leadership of Mooney’s new administration.
Leveraging the improvements of the past two years, the university has achieved cash and operational budget surpluses, reduced its debt, and identified and built alternative revenue sources.
Raxter will be charged with building a strong philanthropic presence that contributes to this forward movement.
Raxter will join the university on its Rindge campus on Jan. 30.