SWU names Payne AVP for development
Southern Wesleyan University appointed Anthony “Tony” Payne as associate vice president for development in the office of Advancement.
Payne brings to Southern Wesleyan extensive experience in fund development, relationship building, management, special events and marketing. Most recently, Payne was executive director of the March of Dimes, Upstate South Carolina Division, where he oversaw the fundraising efforts for 10 Upstate counties with an annual fundraising budget of $2.5M. Payne was also one of 10 executive directors chosen by the senior executive leadership at the March of Dimes National Office to develop, design and implement a major giving program for the foundation.
“Tony will be a tremendous asset to our SWU Development Operation and Advancement Division,” said Lisa McWherter, Southern Wesleyan’s vice president for advancement. “He brings his disciplined experience as a Marine, his skilled fund raising experience from the not-for-profit arena and keen insight as a SWU MBA graduate of our Adult and Graduate Studies Program to the starting gate. He is well qualified and equipped to tackle the fund raising challenges and opportunities ahead as SWU races forward as a Christ-centered university of choice. We are honored to welcome Tony to ‘Team SWU!’”
Payne has also guided development for Ellen Hines Smith Girls’ Home, Lexington Medical Center Foundation and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation. He was also marketing coordinator for Pardee Hospital, Hendersonville, N.C.; and was director of public support for the American Red Cross – Piedmont Chapter.
He also served 14 years in the US Marine Corps Reserves. While in the USMCR, he served as staff non-commissioned officer in charge of the unit armory for H&S Company 4th Maintenance Battalion in Charlotte. Payne was also promoted to the rank of staff sergeant and was awarded two Navy and Marine Corps achievement medals for exemplary service and leadership.
Payne is a Southern Wesleyan alumnus, having earned his MBA in 2012. He serves on Southern Wesleyan’s alumni board of directors as its development chair. In addition, he earned his BA in interdisciplinary studies from USC Upstate. He is also a graduate of Leadership Spartanburg and earned his Annual Giving Certificate from Madison Institute – Association of Healthcare Philanthropy.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.