Columbia College appoints Bruce M. Lawrence as Interim Vice President of Development
November 18, 2025
President John H. Dozier announced the appointment of Bruce M. Lawrence as the Interim Vice President of Development at Columbia College. Lawrence brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, environmental advocacy, business development, and international institutional advancement. He will begin his service to Columbia College on Monday, November 24, 2025.
Lawrence most recently served as Director of Development and Fellow at St Hugh’s College, University of Oxford, where he led a global development and alumni relations program serving more than 10,000 alumni and donors. Under his leadership, St Hugh’s more than doubled its annual fundraising revenue and strengthened giving across annual, major, and legacy programs. He secured several seven-figure gifts and helped build a legacy society valued at approximately £25 million. His work also included transitioning alumni and donor engagement to digital formats during the pandemic, which increased participation while reducing costs.
Before Oxford, Lawrence founded and led StrategicCents, LLC, a Columbia-based consulting firm supporting nonprofits with fundraising strategy, campaign planning, branding, and grant development. He has guided successful capital campaigns, developed communication strategies for organizations of various sizes, and supported regional events that attracted significant philanthropic investment. His prior roles include service with Conservation Voters of South Carolina, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Goodwill Industries.
President Dozier shared, “Mr. Lawrence brings a depth of experience and a perspective shaped by service around the world. His ability to build meaningful relationships, inspire generosity, and guide institutions through periods of growth will be an asset to Columbia College. We are confident that his leadership will help advance the College’s philanthropic vision and support the momentum we are building together.”
A South Carolina native, Lawrence holds an MA from the University of South Carolina, a Master’s in Mass Communications, and dual bachelor’s degrees from the USC Honors College and the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. He has been widely recognized both regionally and nationally for his volunteer service and fundraising achievements.
Lawrence remarked, “It is a privilege to come home to Columbia and support Columbia College at such a pivotal and hopeful time. I’m eager to work alongside President Dozier, our Board of Trustees, alumni, donors, and the many friends who care so deeply about this institution. Together, we can help strengthen the College’s foundation and support the bright future ahead.”
If you would like to learn more about giving to Columbia College and how you can support the growth of the institution, visit ColumbiaSC.edu/give.
About Columbia College
Founded in 1854, Columbia College is a student-centered institution committed to educating women and men for lives of purpose, impact, and leadership. Guided by a newly articulated vision and the “On the Rise” strategic plan, the College is expanding its reach through innovative programs, inquiry-based learning, and workforce-focused pathways in allied health, education, and the creative industries. As an anchor institution in the 29203 community, Columbia College embraces a mission of partnership and place-based engagement to advance wellness, economic mobility, and opportunity across the Midlands. With small classes, individualized support, and more than 30 undergraduate and eight graduate programs, the College prepares students for careers of consequence.
