Dr. Frank Woodward Named Vice President for University Advancement

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Interim President Jason McConnell, DBA, has appointed Dr. Frank Woodward vice president for University Advancement.

“Dr. Woodward has been a valued member of the University community and a leader in University Advancement for nearly 20 years. There is no better candidate to provide continuity during this transitional period,” McConnell said. “His attention to detail, analytical mindset and propensity for finding creative solutions have contributed to the positive outcomes for University Advancement and I appreciate his past willingness to take on additional responsibilities.”

Woodward joined the division of University Advancement in 2008, serving as the director of gift processing until 2010 when he was promoted to assistant vice president for University Advancement. His hard work and dedication were recognized again in 2023 when he was promoted to associate vice president for University Advancement. Throughout his tenure he worked closely with and under the direction of former Vice President for University Advancement Cynthia Whitt, who transitioned to a consultant role in January. Woodward will now succeed Whitt and lead the division of University Advancement which encompasses all fundraising, donor relations and alumni relations functions for LMU.

Woodward played an integral role in the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum Hansel and Dorothy Kincaid One Million Dollar Matching Challenge Campaign, which exceeded its goal with over $3 million raised. He works closely with Student Financial Services to administer the vibrant donor-funded scholarship program which awards over $1 million in student scholarships annually, managing the application process, reviewing applications and coordinating the award presentations.

Woodward previously served LMU as assistant director of admissions from 1999-2001. He started his career at Union College in 1996 as an admissions counselor and ascended to associate dean of admissions and financial aid in 1998. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Emory and Henry College, a Master of Theological Studies and Master of Divinity from Duke University and a Doctor of Public Administration from Valdosta State University. He served as a provisional elder in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church from 2003-2007.

Woodward has served as an adjunct instructor in LMU’s Master of Public Administration program as well as the University of Tennessee’s Master of Public Policy and Administration program. He has published articles and presented at national conferences on higher education policy, public administration, and Methodist history.

Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is located in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@LMUnet.edu.