The Webb School has announced the appointment of Jonathon Hawkins as Director of Alumni and Development. The announcement was made in a message from Head of School Ken Cheeseman to the Webb Community. His appointment is effective July 1.

"Jonathon's experience in alumni and development, both at Webb and at the collegiate level, will benefit our Webb community as we look to continue to grow our annual fund and consider an ambitious capital campaign in the near future," said Cheeseman. "Beyond his experience, Jonathon's warmth, kindness, and ability to communicate effectively will also enhance the culture of philanthropy at Webb."

Since 2017, Hawkins, a Murfreesboro resident, has served as Webb's Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving and most recently as Associate Director for Alumni and Development. Prior to his service at Webb, he was Executive Director of Alumni and Development for Cumberland University from 2006-2017. He is a two-time graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science with a major in mass communication and a Master of Education in administration and supervision with a concentration in higher education. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, the oldest all-discipline honor society in the United States, and served as a representative in student government as well as a member of the school's highly selective Student Ambassador program.

“It is an honor to be named as The Webb School's Director of Alumni and Development, and I am thankful to Ken Cheeseman and the Board for their confidence and trust in me. I am eager to lead the Alumni and Development Office and its hardworking team to even greater success in support of the school's mission,” Hawkins said. “As a current team member, loyal donor, and father of a Webb graduate, I am excited now more than ever about Webb's position within the educational landscape and how fundraising and alumni engagement can make a transformational impact on the school's future.

"As so many have said before, there is a lot to love about Webb including its beautiful campus and pastoral location, unique history as one of the south's leading boarding schools, commitment to honor and personal integrity, and, most importantly, strong focus on outstanding academics. Through our continued investment in academics while also strategically improving athletics and arts programs as well as the physical plant, Webb is well-positioned to become the boarding/day school of choice within the region."

Leigh Adams, Webb's departing director said, "I am thrilled that Jonathon is being promoted as the next Director of Alumni and Development. He brings institutional knowledge and continuity, as well as extensive fundraising experience, to the role. This is an exciting and important time in Webb's history, and I know that Jonathon will lead the A&D team collaboratively and thoughtfully to achieve its goals. I have learned so much from Jonathon during the last 15 months, and I am excited to cheer him on as my successor."

While at Webb, Hawkins has been the lead for the annual giving campaign exceeding the Webb Fund goal in each of the last seven years, increasing Webb Fund totals by 32% in the last four years, and accomplishing record Webb Fund numbers in Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024. He works collaboratively with the Alumni and Development team, key leadership, and volunteers to achieve fundraising goals established by the Board of Trustees and Head of School. In addition, he serves as primary liaison for the Alumni Board and its subcommittees, Class Agent program, and is responsible for annual reunion events and activities. Hawkins was involved in the $4 million Webb 150 endowment campaign and served as chair of the highly successful 150th anniversary celebration.

During his tenure at Cumberland University, Hawkins led a team that grew giving totals by 29%, increased number of donors by 43%, and raised more than $20.5 million for university priorities. He also served as lead for the university's 175th anniversary celebration. Prior to working for Cumberland, Hawkins held positions with Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation, Meharry Medical College, and Middle Tennessee State University.

Previous community leadership includes serving as a member of the board of directors of the Middle Tennessee State University National Alumni Association and as treasurer and board member of the Alzheimer's Association Tennessee Chapter.

"Jonathon has served Webb well in his seven years, most recently as Associate Director of Alumni & Development. He brings 25 years of diverse experience from multiple institutions to his new position as Director," said Lee Woosley, Class of 1979, board of trustees member. "The relationships he has developed among Webb’s constituencies and his broad and deep knowledge of our alumni and development operations will enable him to provide great leadership and continuity to these efforts going forward."

Gwen Owen, Class of 1975, also a trustee added "Jonathon has a proven track record with The Webb School during his seven-year tenure. He is especially respected for his relationship building and leadership skills."

Hawkins resides in Murfreesboro with his wife, Jana, kindergarten teacher at Homer Pittard Campus School, and his daughter, Claire ’21, a senior at Western Kentucky University.