Coming home: Troy Munn returns to Trevecca to lead advancement

By Jasmin Enriquez Martinez

Features Editor

As Troy Munn looks around Trevecca’s campus, seeing familiar faces, he knows he’s right at home.

After 25 years away, Munn returns as vice president of institutional advancement, replacing Peggy Cooning, retired vice president of university engagement.

“I really felt like not only was this a wonderful professional opportunity and move for me, I really felt called to come back here and wanted to be a part of things,” said Munn.

From 1998 to 2001, Munn worked at Trevecca as a part of the advancement team working on a campaign to build the Waggoner Library. Now Munn oversees fundraising, alumni, church, and community engagement, according to Trevecca’s website.

Before returning, Munn served as chief development officer for Ascension St. Thomas, said Munn.

A lot has changed since he first worked here.

However, one thing remains the same.

The love of the hill, said Munn.

“So there’s a lot to learn and a lot to get caught up on,” said Munn. “But I know this mission. I know the heartbeat of this place.”

University President Dan Boone chose Munn for the role after a national search.

“I’m thrilled that he’s here at Trevecca,” said Boone.

According to Boone, Munn brings about 20 years of fundraising experience, making him the right fit.

As Munn enters this role, he’s faced the challenge of limited staff.

Two new positions are open as Munn rebuilds his team, he said.

“We really want to bring around him a strong team and help him be able to succeed at a significant level,” said Boone.

The roles of director of annual giving and director of major gifts are needed to support fundraising efforts, according to Munn.

Munn will also handle Trevecca’s annual Giving Day, an event aimed at reaching 1,000 donors and raising $1 million.

Munn plans to change the branding for Giving Day each year.

“We’re currently identifying the projects across the university that we’re going to be actively not only raising money for, but finding a space where any and every donor that wants to give here, that they’re going to find something that’s going to be of interest to them,” said Munn.

As Munn settles back in life at Trevecca, he’s reconnected with familiar faces, including Michael Johnson, engagement officer, church partnerships and aide to the president for special projects.

“He is a man with great experience, corporate polish and a real, genuine heart,” said Johnson. He’s very interested in achieving goals, but he’s also interested in what I would term achieving success in relationships, too.”

Munn’s excited for this next chapter as he helps engage alumni and future alumni.

“I come in here with a great deal of responsibility and challenge before me, but it’s a really exciting time to come in and I’m looking forward to working with this Trevecca community, working with our students,” said Munn.