Cotter, Jennifer

Biography

Jennifer Cotter has been fostering connections between alumni, donors and the university for more than 20 years.

As the vice president for advancement, Cotter provides guidance and direction for institutional advancement initiatives, including oversight of teams dedicated to alumni relations, corporate and foundation relations, annual giving, major gifts and planned giving, and more. She also serves on the president’s cabinet, working closely with academic and administrative leaders to advance the university’s mission and vision.

Cotter is a 2001 CMU graduate. Throughout her career at CMU, she served as campaign coordinator and director of development for the College of Education and Human Services, then held leadership roles in planned and major giving, as well as campaign and advancement services. She became executive director of advancement and campaign in 2018, in which she developed and implemented the strategic plan for CMU’s Fire Up for Excellence campaign, which concluded three years ahead of schedule and several million dollars over its goal.