Beaver College of Health Sciences

By Amanda Mlekush

The Beaver College of Health Sciences has welcomed Development Director Jeff McPherson, an experienced healthcare and education fundraising executive who is an alumnus of Appalachian State University. 

In his role as the Director of Development in the Beaver College of Health Sciences, McPherson will work closely with Dean Marie Huff and other college leaders, including the BCHS Advisory Board and administrators at the Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness. McPherson will serve as a liaison between the college and donors and foundations as he develops strategic avenues to build and sustain support for BCHS students, faculty and staff, and connect the college’s programs and outreach with donors and community stakeholders.

“We’re delighted to have Jeff continue our efforts to cultivate strong relationships with our supporters, donors and ambassadors for the Beaver College of Health Sciences,” said Dean Huff, PhD. “We were impressed with his passion for health and wellness combined with his deep affection for Appalachian. All of us in the college look forward to working with him as we continue to take health to new heights!” 

(Caption: Jeff McPherson (right) talks with Dr. Adam Hege, undergraduate program director for Public Health, recently while in Levine Hall.) 

McPherson, who joined the Beaver College on May 1, has nearly 30 years of development experience and previously raised funds for university scholarships, sustainability, and DEI programs at App State. Prior to that, he worked in leadership fundraising roles for the East Carolina University Medical and Health Sciences Foundation, the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. 

McPherson graduated from App State in 1990 with a bachelor’s in Communication Arts/Broadcasting. He said he attained one of his long-term professional goals in 2022 when he began working in University Advancement at App State.

His passion for health care comes from a personal experience when his family had to rely on highly skilled health professionals to save his dad’s life. 

“When I was in college, I got a phone call that my dad had a heart attack,” McPherson said. “Through the efforts of the doctors, nurses, and therapists who cared for him and organizations like the American Heart Association, my dad recovered and was able to live a longer life.”

“Working in development at a medical school and college of health sciences allowed me to learn even more from professionals and meet some of our future health care providers who will go on to make a difference for other families. As a father of three, it is very important to me that I take care of myself and serve as an example for my children.”

Tags: