KNOXVILLE, TN – April 28, 2025 – The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Hawken Brackett as the new assistant vice president (AVP) of prospect development. Brackett, an experienced leader in higher education advancement, will join the Foundation on June 1, 2025.
In this position, Brackett will be responsible for leading the expansion and modernization of the UT Foundation’s prospect development efforts. This includes overseeing a systemwide strategy to support the diverse fundraising needs of the campuses and institutes across the UT System, leveraging data and analytics to improve processes and outcomes.
Brackett joins the Foundation from Auburn University, where he most recently served as the executive director of alumni engagement. He brings over 13 years of leadership experience across major giving, pipeline strategy, alumni engagement and advancement, with a proven track record of driving results. Brackett holds a PhD in instructional leadership from The University of Alabama, as well as degrees from Clemson University and Mississippi State University.
“Philanthropy is a noble effort, uniting the dedication of benefactors with the strength of institutions to address global challenges,” said Dr. Brackett. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with partners across the University of Tennessee Foundation and UT System, while investing in a visionary team to realize meaningful impact. It is an honor to serve by fostering authentic, intelligent and sustainable approaches to philanthropy that will directly address the pressing challenges faced by Tennesseans, our nation and the world.”
The creation of the AVP of prospect development role is a strategic move aimed at strengthening the UT Foundation’s fundraising capabilities, ensuring alignment with best practices and helping the organization achieve even greater success in the years to come.
“Our fundraising success is vital to advancing the University of Tennessee’s mission,” said UT Foundation President Kerry Witcher. “Dr. Brackett’s expertise in philanthropy, strategic leadership and organizational change makes him the ideal fit for this role. We are excited to have him join our team as we continue our efforts to build on the momentum of our record-breaking year and ensure the future success of the UT System.”
About the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that serves as the preferred channel for private contributions benefiting students and faculty within the UT System. With a vision of being one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, UTFI is committed to enhancing the educational landscape across the University of Tennessee campuses.
For more information about the University of Tennessee Foundation and its programs, please visit www.utfi.org.
Contact:
Jackie Wise
Senior Director of Communications
University of Tennessee Foundation
(865) 228-3989
[email protected]