Ryan Jones
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Senior Associate Athletics Director for Advancement Ryan Jones was named the 2025 College Division Fundraiser of the Year by the National Association of Athletic Directors of Development (NAADD), the organization announced today. Jones is in his fourth year with the Mocs and has guided UTC’s fundraising efforts to unprecedented success during his tenure.
“This is a big deal for Ryan and our entire athletics program,” stated UTC Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton. “For him to be recognized on a national level is a testament to his leadership and the hard work both he and his staff have put in over the last four years. I am proud of what he has been able to accomplish and grateful to NAADD for recognizing him with this distinction.”
UTC has achieved three consecutive years of fundraising totals over $3.3 million for the first time in athletics history. Jones leads 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 at UTC.
“Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work and success of our University, UTC Athletics (under the direction of Mark Wharton), the UC Foundation and Foundation Board (with the leadership of Kim White), and our athletics advancement team in the Mocs Club,” stated Jones.
Jones and the Mocs Club started “All Aboard: UTC Women’s Athletics Fundraising” Initiative that garnered mid-six-figure results in two years to support UTC Women’s Athletics. He also worked to secure donations to fund nutrition for all UTC student-athletes through the Food City Fueling Station. Athletics also secured over $1.7 million as part of UTC’s Mocs Give Day, up from $1.2 million in 2024.
“When you believe in the trajectory in a place like Chattanooga, coming to work and being alongside people who share in the same belief allows you to give your best and get the best from those around you. Without that level of belief and commitment from those around me, I wouldn’t have been able to receive an award of this magnitude like this. It is extremely humbling to be thought of in this light by my peers in the industry and is an award I will cherish for the remainder of my career.”
Jones was previously honored in 2024 with the UT Foundation President’s Award, the highest honor a UT Foundation employee can receive. He also serves as the sport oversight for the cross country/track and field teams.
“Ryan is not only a gifted fundraiser but also an incredible leader and teammate,” stated UTC Vice Chancellor of Advancement and executive director of the UC Foundation Kim White. “His dedication to UTC and Chattanooga is evident, and we’re lucky and proud to call Ryan a Moc.”
To celebrate this honor, Jones will be recognized at the 31st annual NAADD Convention, taking place June 8-11 at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Florida. He will be featured before the NAADD membership prior to the Opening Kickoff Session at 2 p.m. ET on Monday, June 9.
