Lori Ann Summers Named Queens University's VP of Advancement

Queens University of Charlotte is thrilled to welcome an experienced higher education leader, Lori Ann Summers, as its next vice president of advancement.

Summers has spent more than two decades in higher education fundraising at institutions in the Carolinas and across the country. She comes to Queens from Newberry College in South Carolina where she served as the vice president for institutional advancement and president of the Newberry College Foundation. Using a data-driven approach, Summers oversaw tremendous growth in fundraising, more than tripling the annual fundraising totals during her time there. Even in the midst of a changing higher education landscape during a global pandemic, Summers oversaw the largest fundraising fiscal year in a decade.

Prior to Newberry, Summers served as the senior leader for all advancement operations within the University of South Carolina’s six health sciences schools and colleges, overseeing an annual fundraising total of $20 million. During her time at the university, Summers closed the institution’s largest gift in history of $632 million. She also led efforts to raise funds for capital projects, including overseeing the launch of a campaign to build a new health science campus.

“Queens University is on the rise, and I can’t wait to join such a prestigious institution,” Summers said. “I know the importance that fundraising will play in continuing Queens’ momentum and in taking the university to new heights. It’s the perfect time for me to become a Royal.”

Summers also spent time in leadership roles at Auburn University and Colorado College, where she had a history of increasing alumni engagement and giving. Her additional background in marketing, public relations, Athletics, and other areas will bring additional strengths and unique perspectives to her new role.

She joins Queens at an important time and will look to continue the institution’s positive momentum – including record enrollment, a transition to Division 1 Athletics and impactful business partnerships – that’s propelling Queens toward becoming the leading national private university of Charlotte.

“As we think about our bold vision for growth, I know that Lori Ann’s success in higher education fundraising will play a crucial part in advancing our priorities,” said Queens University President Dan Lugo. “Her impressive track record in principal gifts, capital projects and alumni engagement gives me even more hope about our bright future.”

Summers earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in education from the University of South Carolina. She’s expected to earn her Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership later this year. She’ll join Queens on September 18.