SWAU Welcomes Senior Development Director

Southwestern Adventist University is pleased to announce the appointment of Kisha Norris to the University Advancement team as the Senior Director of Development. Norris brings considerable experience in fundraising to the team.  An alumna and former employee of Southwestern, Norris went on to successfully fundraise for other universities, including leading out in successful campaigns to win the Home Depot ReTool Your School grant for Oakwood University four years in a row.

“As our search committee reviewed potential candidates for this position, Kisha immediately rose to the top of our list,” says Tami Condon, Vice President for Advancement.  “With her track record of success and knowledge of fundraising, we are honored and delighted to have her join our team.”

Twice an alumna of Southwestern Adventist University, Kisha earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology in 2003 and her Master of Education in 2008.  Since that time, she has been Director of Development for major gifts at Loma Linda University and most recently, served as Executive Director for Advancement and Development at Oakwood University.

In 2011, Norris earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation.  Individuals granted the CFRE credential have met a series of standards set by CFRE International which include tenure in the profession, education, and demonstrated fundraising achievement for not-for-profit organizations.  They have also passed a rigorous written examination testing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a fundraising executive, and have agreed to uphold Accountability Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights.

“I heard a quote once that said, ‘the best journey leads you home,’ and I think that best describes my returning to my alma mater to work,” says Norris. “My love and passion for philanthropy was fueled and nurtured at Southwestern and I wouldn't be in this field today if I wasn't hired in the Advancement office as a freshman in college. It is refreshing to be back where my career in philanthropy began and I pray that God will bless our fundraising efforts in a way that will glorify Him and continue to build a future for Southwestern. I look forward to working with our president, Dr. Shaw, and our Vice President Tami Condon to identify the areas in development that we need to grow and build. This is an exciting time for Southwestern and I am blessed to be a part of this team.”

Norris officially joined the Southwestern Adventist University family as of September 11, 2017.