Lisa W.

About Lisa W.

Winn Bryan has dedicated her career to higher education administration at colleges and universities throughout Virginia, including JMU, VCU, VSU, VUU, and Mary Baldwin University. She is a student affairs professional with over 20 years of experience in the field. Winn Bryan is a strong advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and recognizes the profound impact that these historic institutions have on the Black community. Other areas of research and interest include historic preservation, community engagement, genealogy, African American Studies, and the history of the enslaved. Winn Bryan’s primary academic objective is to examine and address the systematic barriers that impact communities of color in America, particularly the Black and Native American communities. “I want to encourage students to be courageous and consider the very difficult conversations that we all need to have around race and racism in this country.”Throughout my career, as a leading nonprofit fundraiser and university administrator, I’ve established a reputation for securing robust philanthropic support by expanding fundraising efforts across annual funds, capital campaigns, major gifts, and grants.Before leading institutional advancement at Virginia Union University, I had the opportunity to serve as the dean of admissions at Virginia State University, in addition to early career roles in academic advising, residence life, and the Career Center. This diverse experience has given me a 360-degree perspective on the complex challenges facing higher education today.As a dedicated lifelong learner, I hold a BA and a Master of Education from James Madison University, as well as a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and a BA in African American Studies.I also hold a Six Sigma Green Belt certification and a certificate in Nonprofit Management, am a graduate of the Leadership Metro Richmond, and have completed the Executive Leadership Summit through Hampton University and the Higher Education Leadership Foundation Institute.My areas of expertise include:Higher Education Leadership, HBCUs | Fundraising Campaign Management | Historic Preservation & Community Partnerships| Relationship Building | Enrollment Management| Alumni Relations | Fundraising Strategy | Major Donor Cultivation | Grant Writing & Management | Fundraising Event Planning | Team Leadership | Team Development | Fundraising Best Practices | Annual Fund Growth | Program Management | Faculty Collaboration | Student Programming

Experience

1. Community Outreach

   Preservation Virginia

   Jun 2022 — Present

   A Mellon Foundation Fellowship to increase the number of African Americans in the preservation field

Education

• Virginia Commonwealth University

  Doctor of Education - EdD

• James Madison University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA

• James Madison University

  Master of Education - MEd

• Virginia Commonwealth University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA