WSSU announces new university advancement leadership
Winston-Salem State University’s new advancement leadership team is poised to enhance alumni and community engagement, as well as philanthropic contributions.
Kevan Turman is the new vice chancellor for University Advancement. He is a seasoned leader with more than two decades of experience in institutional advancement, strategic development and community engagement.
He will be joined by John D. Kirby Jr. as assistant vice chancellor for advancement. Kirby is an accomplished development and social impact leader.
Turman began his academic journey at Lincoln University, earning both a Bachelor of Science in English and Secondary Education, and a Master of Science in Reading. His passion for education and institutional development led him back to Lincoln University, where he cultivated his leadership and advancement career.
At Lincoln University, Turman held several key roles including director of alumni relations, special assistant to the president, associate vice president for advancement, campaign manager, and interim vice president of institutional advancement. In these roles, Turman rebranded the university’s giving program; launched “The Lincoln Society;” and managed a $10 million endowment campaign, raising $2.1 million in a single fiscal year. His work also secured more than $4 million in scholarship funding and helped elevate Lincoln’s image in the philanthropic community.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, he and his wife, Kalisha, have two children, Isaiah, a college freshman, and Kayla, a junior in high school.
“I am honored to join Winston-Salem State University as vice chancellor for advancement and executive director of the WSSU Foundation,” said Turman, who began his role Oct. 1. “This is an exciting time for the university, and I look forward to collaborating with our incredible team, alumni, and partners to build a robust culture of philanthropy. Together, we will ensure WSSU’s continued growth and impact for generations to come.”
Turman said his vision for the university advancement office is rooted in the spirit of “‘One Ramily,’ where collaboration and alignment drive everything we do. By breaking down silos and fostering meaningful partnerships, we can disrupt the norms and usher in a season of radical change.”
With systems and synergies as the foundation, University Advancement will create a comprehensive advancement strategy that strengthens relationships, inspires investments, and positions WSSU for transformative success, he said.
Kirby will begin his new role on Dec. 2. Most recently, he served as area development director at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), where he demonstrated remarkable success in fundraising, partnership development and community impact.
With a career marked by strategic partnerships and record-setting fundraising initiatives, Kirby has led highly successful events such as the Philadelphia Mayor’s Masked Ball at UNCF, raising more than $1.5 million over the past two years.
He has also forged impactful corporate relationships with organizations including PECO (formerly the Philadelphia Electric Company), the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia 76ers.
In his new role, Kirby will focus on deepening relationships with alumni, corporate partners and community stakeholders while expanding WSSU’s philanthropic reach. His work will be pivotal in driving forward WSSU’s mission to foster student success, academic distinction and community engagement.
“I am honored to join the Ramily as a member of the growing advancement team,” Kirby said. “I look forward to fostering meaningful relationships with alumni and friends, securing critical resources, and driving the university’s mission forward.”
“We are thrilled to welcome John to the advancement team. His expertise, passion and proven track record in building meaningful relationships will play a pivotal role in advancing our fundraising efforts and enhancing the overall engagement of our Ramily. I am confident he will be an invaluable asset to our team and our mission.”
