College announces new Vice President for Institutional Advancement

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service) — Centenary College has appointed Scott Rawles to serve as vice president for institutional advancement. He assumed his new post December 1.

Rawles
Scott Rawles

Prior to accepting his position at Centenary, Rawles held the position of vice president of strategic planning and advancement at Holy Spirit College and Preparatory School in Atlanta, Ga. He had previously served as vice president for institutional advancement at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Miss.

Rawles has more than 20 years experience in higher-education fundraising and external relations, having served as vice president of institutional advancement at Converse College, and director of development and chief advancement officer at Piedmont College. He also served as director of planned giving and corporate and foundation relations at Millsaps College.

At Holy Spirit College and in other positions, his responsibilities included leading the staff in strategic planning, goal-setting, directing capital campaigns, and overseeing all advancement, marketing, development and planning functions. He has been a professional fundraiser, advancement officer and senior administrator, and has considerable experience in all areas of fundraising, including capital campaigns, development programs, governmental relations and negotiations, event planning, strategic communication planning, and alumni relations.

"We are delighted to welcome Scott to the Centenary community during such an important time in the College's history," said Centenary President David Rowe. "He brings a wealth of knowledge, resources and professional experience in a variety of areas of higher education that will strongly support the advancement efforts at Centenary and continue the tradition of academic excellence."

"I am also thankful for Fred Landry who stepped in to lead the advancement office during the interim period. We greatly appreciate his expertise and service. I have confidence that Scott will build upon the strong efforts of our fundraising and external relations team Fred has put into place these past few months."

Rawles said he is ready to begin his new position at the College, and eager for the challenges and opportunities he sees at Centenary.

"I am pleased to have the opportunity to become the newest member of the Centenary College community and to join the dedicated team in the advancement division," he said. "I also look forward to meeting and working with the Centenary friends and alumni in expanding the impact the College is having on its students and higher education."

The decision, he added, to accept the position was easy for him.

"The quality and rigor of the academic program, the commitment of the faculty to each student, the long Methodist affiliation and the thousands of dedicated alumni all make this place very special and one that I am honored to have been invited to serve," he said.

Rawles is a graduate of Mercer University and has extensive continuing education in management, development and public affairs. He has two adult children, son Andrew and daughter Anna Kate, who is in her first year of the Master of Divinity program at Emory University's Candler School of Theology.

He assumes the position that was vacated by Dr. Kathy Fell, who departed in July to become the president of University of Findlay in Ohio.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 373 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.