Jesse Meyer, Vice President for Advancement

Jesse Meyer

Education

BA, , University of Chicago
MA, Higher Education Administration, University of Iowa
Ph.D., Sports Management, University of Kansas

Background 

Arriving at Illinois Wesleyan in October of 2024, Jesse Meyer serves as the Vice President of Advancement.  An Omaha, Nebraska native, Jesse attended the University of Chicago where he was a four-year member of the men's basketball team.  After working initially in trading, Jesse began his higher education career in 2010, earning a master's degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Iowa while working in the athletic department as a game day coordinator.  He then left to earn his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in Sport Management while serving as the coordinator of student-athlete leadership.  Jesse returned to the University of Chicago to run a career program for financially minded students prior to making his way into the school's advancement office.  From 2016-2022, he worked at the University of Notre Dame serving in a variety of frontline fundraising and leadership roles, covering the Twin Cities, Chicago, and New York City and oversaw production for a $100 million fundraising region.  Jesse had a brief stop at Saint Ignatius College Prep as the Chief Development Officer before returning once again to his alma mater as Senior Director, Major Gifts and College Campaign Director where he helped plan over $1 billion in undergraduate campaign priorities.  

Jesse serves on the University of Iowa's Alumni Leadership Council and is also a board member for the Coalition of College.  He and his wife, Erin—a Peoria native—live in Normal, IL, with their five children.