Dr. Katie Talbert joins Converse University as VP for Institutional Advancement and External Relations

Converse University announced that Dr. Katie Talbert has joined the University as Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations. In this role, Talbert will lead Converse’s comprehensive advancement strategy, including fundraising, alumni engagement, communications, and external partnerships that support the university’s mission and long-term growth.

Talbert brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, with a career spanning advancement leadership, collegiate athletics, and healthcare philanthropy. She is widely recognized for her results-driven approach, ability to build high-performing teams, and commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, and community partners.

“Dr. Talbert brings the vision, energy, and strategic insight that will help propel Converse forward in meaningful ways,” said President Boone Hopkins. “I am confident she is the right leader to strengthen the University’s relationships and expand our impact. As we look to the future, Dr. Talbert will be instrumental in advancing our mission and positioning Converse for continued growth and success.”

Most recently, Talbert served as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. During her tenure, she secured more than $6.6 million in commitments over two fiscal years, driving record-breaking fundraising for athletics, capital projects, NIL initiatives, and endowments. She also managed a robust portfolio of more than 150 major gift prospects and led strategies focused on gifts of $25,000 and above, resulting in significant multi-million-dollar impact.

Earlier in her career, Talbert served as the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at Lees-McRae College, where she drove exponential growth in fundraising and established sustainable momentum in alumni engagement and annual giving. She is known for building strong philanthropic cultures and implementing innovative strategies that expand donor participation and long-term institutional support.

Prior to her work in advancement, Talbert spent a decade as a head women’s soccer coach at Queens University of Charlotte, where she built a highly competitive program and developed student-athletes who excelled both on the field and in the classroom. Her coaching career reflects a deep commitment to leadership development, mentorship, and student success – principles that continue to shape her work in advancement. While at Queens, she led the program to its first NCAA tournament appearance, served on regional committees, and was twice recognized as Coach of the Year.

Talbert is an experienced leader in capital campaigns, major gifts, and cross-campus collaboration, with a strong track record of aligning philanthropic strategy with institutional priorities. She has successfully engaged boards, faculty, staff, and volunteers in advancing organizational goals and brings deep expertise in fundraising technology platforms to support data-informed decision-making and operational excellence.

“I am truly honored to join the Converse University community,” said Talbert. “My family and I are thrilled to become part of the Converse family and to be in Spartanburg. I have long admired the University’s growth and the leadership that continues to position Converse as a place of opportunity and excellence for the next generation of students. I am deeply grateful to President Hopkins and the Board for this opportunity, and I look forward to working alongside an outstanding team to engage alumni, partners, and supporters in advancing Converse’s mission.”

Katie holds a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from Lynn University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Averett University, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Pfeiffer University.

About Converse University

Converse University empowers students to become transformative leaders who see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly. Converse was founded in 1889 by citizens of Spartanburg, SC, who aimed to create an educational experience for women, and in fall 2020 it welcomed its first undergraduate co-educational incoming class. The University encompasses the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the School of Business & Data Science, the School of the Arts, the School of Education, The Graduate School, and the Converse College for Women. Converse students experience deep scholarship, transformative mentorship, experiential learning, and wonderful support for and belief in each other. Through this unique formula, Converse is a creator of opportunity for its students through a personalized education that also includes the professional and technical skills graduates need to be successful in their careers. For more information, visit www.converse.edu.