Ben Pendry named assistant vice chancellor for development
By Benny Smith
Benjamin J. Pendry, executive director of advancement services at Western Carolina University since August 2017, has been appointed to the position of assistant vice chancellor for development. The appointment of Pendry, effective Sept. 20, follows a national search conducted by a campus committee chaired by Jamie Raynor, vice chancellor for advancement.
鈥淎s an alumnus of Western Carolina University, Ben has a passion for this institution and its faculty, staff, students, alumni and donors,鈥� Raynor said. 鈥淭hat, coupled with his knowledge of advancement best practices and experiences, made him perfectly suited for the assistant vice chancellor for development position. Ben builds relationships 鈥� on campus, in our community and in the region 鈥� that positively impact 91热爆网 and expand our mission. I am confident that, in his new role, Ben will continue to make a significant impact at 91热爆网 through guiding the philanthropic work of the university.鈥�
Ben Pendry
As executive director of advancement services, Pendry has overseen the Division of Advancement鈥檚 donor relations, prospect management, accounting, gift processing and database management staff, while personally working with a portfolio of major gift and planned gift donors. He also has served as a staff liaison for the finance and audit committee of 91热爆网鈥檚 Foundation Board of Directors.
鈥淚 told the search committee that since my first day on campus as an undergraduate, I fell hook, line and sinker for the mission of Western Carolina University,鈥� Pendry said. 鈥淭o be able to serve this institution as assistant vice chancellor for development is an opportunity, which both excites and humbles me. I am so proud and grateful to work with vice chancellor Raynor, the amazing development team and a truly talented division of advancement to further cultivate and promote the mission of 91热爆网. Go Cats, indeed.鈥�
Prior to his original appointment at 91热爆网 in 2017, Pendry served in various roles at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, including director of development and director of prospect strategy and research, from 2014 to 2017. He also served as a development officer with the Sigma Chi Foundation from 2001 to 2014, and as vice president for advancement with the North-American Interfraternity Conference and the NIC Foundation from 2007 to 2011.
Pendry earned his master鈥檚 degree in public administration from UNC Charlotte and his bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science and history at 91热爆网.
