Jahnae Barnett, president of William Woods University, has announced the appointment of Lisa Cole Eimers, of Columbia, as the university's new vice president of advancement, effective Monday.
Cole Eimers will replace Shawn Poore, who will now serve as university's vice president of Presidential Projects, effective immediately.
Cole Eimers joins the WWU administration with more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy and development. In her new cabinet-level role at William Woods, she will be responsible for leading the university's advancement efforts and providing guidance in the development and alumni relations area, including directing capital campaigns and serving as major gift officer.
Cole Eimers' extensive experience includes serving as associate vice president for Development at Westminster College; nearly 15 years at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where her positions included director of advancement for central campaign leadership, director of advancement for the MU School of Law, and development officer for regional programs and the MU College of Business; director of investor relations for the Columbia Regional Economic Development Inc.; and development director for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Missouri.
"We are fortunate to have an accomplished major gifts fundraiser and development professional of Lisa's caliber joining our leadership team here at William Woods," Barnett said. "Her vast experience will provide strategic direction in the critical areas of development and alumni relations."
Cole Eimers received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York and master's degree in higher education administration from Syracuse University.