George Fox University Names Shannon Johnson Vice President of Advancement

NEWBERG, Oregon - George Fox University has named alumna Shannon Johnson as its next vice president of advancement. She will begin her new role on Sept. 14.

Johnson brings more than a decade of advancement experience in Christian higher education, with a demonstrated record of growing philanthropic support, leading campaigns and strengthening donor engagement.

"Shannon brings proven advancement leadership alongside a deeply personal commitment to George Fox," said Lindsay Knox, executive vice president for enrollment, advancement and marketing. "She understands how to translate an institution's mission and priorities into a compelling philanthropic vision, and she has demonstrated her ability to build the relationships and momentum needed to move that vision forward. She also shares our hopes for George Fox's future and is ready to lead with strategic clarity, deep faith and genuine care for people. I am excited to partner with her as we expand the impact of advancement across the university."

Prior to joining George Fox, she served as vice president for advancement at Corban University. During her tenure, Corban experienced an 88% increase in overall giving in fiscal year 2024 and 320% growth in its endowment beginning in fiscal year 2022. Johnson also exceeded the university's advancement goals in fiscal year 2025, achieved record donor participation and led the launch of the silent phase of Corban's "Faithful for the Future" campaign.

As vice president of advancement, Johnson will provide strategic leadership for the university's fundraising, donor engagement, alumni and community relations, and philanthropic initiatives. She will work closely with President Robin Baker, Knox, the advancement team and university partners to strengthen donor relationships and advance George Fox's institutional priorities.

"I am honored to join George Fox and lead an advancement team with such a strong foundation," Johnson said. "Throughout my advancement career, I have seen how thoughtful strategy, authentic donor relationships and a clear philanthropic vision can generate meaningful momentum for an institution. I look forward to building on that experience at George Fox, partnering with donors and university leaders to expand philanthropic support and advance the university's most important priorities."

Johnson previously served at George Fox from 2015 to 2018, first as a gift officer and later as interim director of development. During that time, she helped complete a $14 million comprehensive campaign that exceeded its goal. As interim director, she provided leadership for the advancement division, securing more than $10 million in gifts and commitments during fiscal year 2018.

"I had the opportunity to see Shannon's impact firsthand during her previous time at George Fox," Baker said. "She served with a deep commitment to our mission and built relationships marked by trust, care and integrity. She returns to us with even greater advancement experience and leadership capacity, and I am confident that the strengths she demonstrated here before will translate into continued success for George Fox in the years ahead."

Johnson's advancement career has also included leadership positions at Warner Pacific University and Multnomah University. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from Seattle Pacific University and a master's degree in counseling from George Fox.

George Fox University, Oregon's largest private university, is a U.S. News & World Report "Best National University," enrolling more than 4,000 students across its Newberg campus, regional centers in Portland and Redmond, and online. The institution offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and 21 graduate degrees. George Fox is a leader in flexible education, featuring accelerated online bachelor's degrees tailored for working adults.

Contact:

Carly Reumann

[email protected]

503-554-2101