Ryan Jones
Ryan Jones has been named Associate Vice Chancellor of Advancement at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, effective May 1, 2025. In this role, Jones will organize and coordinate fundraising efforts across the UTC campus and lead the team of fundraising professionals across the university’s academic, athletics and student support service areas.
“Ryan has shown exceptional leadership and the ability to build relationships across our city, region, alumni and fan bases that have resulted in record support for UTC Athletics,” said Kim White, vice chancellor for advancement and executive director of the UC Foundation. “We are thrilled that Ryan will now lead the fundraising efforts for our entire campus community and bring his passion, focus and experience to support all our students, faculty and staff.”
Under Jones’ leadership, UTC Athletics achieved three consecutive years of fundraising totals of over $3.3 million for the first time in athletics history. Jones led a team that set a UTC Athletics record for the most raised in gifts and commitments in 2023-24, totaling more than $4.7 million. The Mocs Club has also experienced double-digit growth each year during his tenure. The success of UTC Athletics fundraising also led to UTC’s single largest fundraising year, with $60.1 million raised from 6,762 donors during fiscal year 2024.
“For the past four years, Ryan has done an incredible job representing UTC and UTC Athletics in our community,” said Mark Wharton, vice chancellor and director of athletics. “This elevated role is a testament to his great work and leadership and a fantastic opportunity for him to expand his role serving UTC. We cannot wait to see the exceptional work he and the UTC Advancement team continue to do in serving our campus.”
Jones has been the interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Advancement since February 2025. The National Association of Athletic Directors of Development (NAADD) named Jones the 2025 College Division Fundraiser of the Year. Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Jones previously served in fundraising roles at Western Carolina University and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management from North Carolina State University and an MBA and master’s in recreation and sports management from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
About Division of Advancement: The mission of the Division of Advancement at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is to build meaningful connections for all Mocs and inspire generosity for Chattanooga’s University. By fostering relationships and investment, UTC Advancement strategically brings together alumni, donors and friends of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for the collective betterment of our campus and city.
