Cottey College Names Megan Ellis as Vice President for Institutional Advancement

NEVADA, MO—Cottey College is pleased to announce the hiring of Megan Ellis as Vice President for Institutional Advancement, effective August 1, 2025. Ellis brings more than a decade of experience in higher education advancement, including strategic fundraising, donor relations, and program development.

“Megan’s background in developing innovative advancement strategies and cultivating meaningful donor relationships makes her a strong addition to the leadership team at Cottey,” said Dr. Stefanie Niles, President of Cottey College. “Her commitment to student opportunity and collaborative leadership will be a valuable asset as we work to expand Cottey’s impact and resources.”

Ellis most recently served as an Executive Director at Ohio Wesleyan University, where she led the OWU Connection—one of the university’s signature fundraising initiatives. Her leadership resulted in new endowment gifts, expanded corporate and foundation partnerships, and increased alumni engagement. She also directed the Delaware Entrepreneurial Center, developing a self-sustaining business incubator and generating more than $4 million in regional economic value.

Ellis earned a bachelor’s degree in economics management from Ohio Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in higher education with a certificate in institutional research from Pennsylvania State University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania.

“I am excited to join the Cottey College community and look forward to supporting its mission and the incredible students it serves,” said Ellis. “It’s an honor to help carry forward the college’s legacy of empowering women through education.”

As Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Ellis will oversee all fundraising, alumnae and P.E.O. relations, and donor engagement efforts at the college.