Jewell reaches $9 million fundraising milestone in 4 months to fuel Reimagine Jewell Initiative

06/03/2025

In summer 2024, William Jewell College and the Board of Trustees began to focus on creating a strategic roadmap for the College. Part of the work to reallocate resources, create financial stability and restructure programs was announced in February as Jewell realigned academic offerings into five divisions and realized the goal of reducing expenses by $7 million. Through two new partnerships formed in the last year, Jewell has added two new master's degrees: an entrepreneurial MBA—the first of its kind in the country, and a new M.S.Ed. track. The College has nearly 200 students currently enrolled in these programs and expects that number to exceed 300 by August 2025.

As part of the journey to reimagine the way the College delivers its mission, Jewell also launched a $25 million Reimagine Jewell campaign in January with a phase one goal to secure $9 million in gifts by Aug. 1. The College met this goal in May after just four months, thanks to the incredible generosity from alumni and a local foundation.

Dan ’76 and Wanda ’77 O’Dell made the first gift to officially establish the campaign. They also responded to a second giving request at a crucial moment in the fundraising work. Mark ’79 and Karen ’80 Mathes announced a significant gift at an event hosted at their home to encourage alumni to provide immediate support and momentum. Linda Pillsbury Roos ’68, on behalf of the Pillsbury Foundation, presented a $2 million gift to the Reimagine Jewell campaign. Many alumni families faithfully contributed in response to the leadership of the Alumni Board of Governors. As a result, total giving of more than $7 million enabled a $1.2 million gift from the William T. Kemper Foundation, delivering the first phase of more than $9 million.

At its May 16 meeting, the William Jewell College Board of Trustees unanimously reaffirmed the College’s commitment to NCAA Division II athletics and continued membership in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) following a comprehensive review by the Board-led Athletics Task Force. In conjunction with this decision, the Board announced the formation of a new Committee on Athletics. This committee will provide strategic oversight and ensure that the College’s athletic programs are aligned with institutional priorities and long-term goals.

The Board of Trustees also added four new members to the Board at the May meeting. “These outstanding additions will bring new energy to the Board as we deepen our alumni representation and experience across business, technology and health sectors,” said Bill Gautreaux, chair of the William Jewell College Board and 1985 alumnus. “The Board is now even more prepared to tackle the opportunities and challenges Jewell will face over the next few years.” Gautreaux also confirmed the announcement of the next interim president, who will lead the College through 2025-2026, is coming later this summer.

On May 17 Jewell held its annual commencement celebrating 220 graduates. Reflecting on the last year and graduation weekend, Interim President Susan Chambers stated, “Our newest graduates join almost 20,000 alumni across the globe pursuing careers in every sector and graduate degrees. Our 99.3% placement rate continues to be powered by many graduates who choose to live and work in the vibrant Kansas City community. We offer our sincere gratitude for the partnership of our Jewell community who has walked alongside us in our journey to Reimagine Jewell this year. We look forward to welcoming our new and returning students in August to build on the momentum we have created.”