Under the direction of Jim Lewis, vice president of advancement, the office of advancement and alumni relations has undergone some staffing changes to better serve Texas Wesleyan alumni and friends.

Two of those changes include new roles for Gina Phillips ’97 MS ’07 and DeAwna Wood ‘05.

Gina Phillips, Director of Development

Phillips has been named director of development. She began working at Texas Wesleyan in June of 1996. She has worked in several departments across campus, including the chaplain’s office, communications, admissions, and advancement and alumni relations.

Most recently, Phillips served as director of development and alumni relations (2006- Jan. 2015).  In her new position as director of development, she will focus on advancing relationships between prospective donors and Texas Wesleyan, for the purpose of securing major gift commitments for annual, restricted, endowed and capital gifts. 

“Gina has developed a diverse breadth of relationships with Wesleyan alumni and friends over her years at Texas Wesleyan,” Lewis said. “She is well positioned to make a significant impact in developing private philanthropic support in her new role as director of development.”

DeAwna Wood, Director of Alumni Relations 

Wood has been named director of alumni relations. She came to Texas Wesleyan in 2003 as an employee and soon after enrolled as a student. While working full-time, she was able to complete her bachelor’s degree in 2005. She joined the advancement and alumni relations team in 2008 as the assistant director of alumni relations.

In her new role as director of alumni relations, she will focus on increasing alumni engagement through new alumni programs and events.

“DeAwna brings fresh energy and creativity, plus great experience at Wesleyan, to her new role in leading our alumni relations program,” Lewis said. “She will aim to engage alumni of all eras and backgrounds in the life of the university.”

Have ideas on how we can reach out to fellow Rams? Contact the alumni office at 817-531-6548.