INSTITUTE, W.Va. — Trey Jones has been named Vice President for University Advancement for West Virginia State University (WVSU) and President of the WVSU Foundation, effective June 28, 2025.
A native of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Jones joined the university in 2021 and currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for University Advancement and Vice President of the WVSU Foundation, where he oversees the major and planned giving program, corporate and foundation partnerships, and serves as director of the capital campaign. He will assume his new role upon the retirement of Pat Schumann, who has served as WVSU’s Vice President for University Advancement and President of the WVSU Foundation for the past 12 years.
“Trey has done a phenomenal job in building partnerships with local, state, and national businesses and fundraising for the university and has built relationships that are having meaningful impact for our students and campus community,” said WVSU President Ericke S. Cage. “I am confident to he will continue to help advance the mission of the university as we continue undergoing a renaissance of idealism, innovation and impact.”
Under Jones’ leadership, he has forged new partnerships and secured more than $8 million in philanthropic giving and auxiliary revenue in support of the university.
“I would like to thank President Cage for this opportunity to lead the Office of University Advancement at such a critical time in our university’s history,” Jones said. “We know that philanthropic support is more vital now than ever before to our future success, and I look forward to continuing to build on the momentum we have created to develop new opportunities for our students and campus community.”
In addition to fundraising activities, WVSU’s Office of University Advancement also oversees the university’s Athletic Department and Office of University Relations.
Before joining WVSU, Jones held leadership roles in hospitality sales and health care operations. As a strong advocate for volunteerism, he serves on the Board of Directors for Communities in Schools Wake County, North Carolina, and Advisory Council for the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Charleston.
He also serves on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries of the Summit, and is a graduate of the FBI Charleston Citizens Academy. In addition, he frequently speaks at events to motivate and inspire students from various grade levels and backgrounds.
Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in sport management with a minor in business administration and sociology from North Carolina State University and a master of public administration degree from Murray State University.
Follow West Virginia State University on Facebook, Instagram @wvsu_official, and X @WVStateU.
– WVSU –