April Purvis has been named chief operating officer of the Clemson University Foundation, effective immediately. Purvis will continue as legal counsel for the organization, while expanding her role within the foundation to include several leadership and strategic functions.
In her new role, Purvis will focus on developing and maintaining positive and productive relationships with key internal and external constituents, assisting Clemson University Foundation President and CEO Karen McCauley in strategic planning and goal setting, and advising the senior leadership team on all operational-related challenges. Purvis will also play an integral role in developing the human resource functions of the foundation by leading critical initiatives to position the foundation to identify, recruit and retain high-performing talent with a heart for the mission of Clemson University.
“April’s diligence since her arrival in 2015 has been instrumental to the growth of the Clemson University Foundation,” said McCauley. “Her expanded role will assist us in elevating key strategic areas as we prepare for the future and continue to support the important mission of Clemson University.”
Purvis is in her seventh year with the Clemson Foundation. She originally joined the organization as the director of gift management in 2015 and assumed legal counsel responsibilities in 2019. Prior to her time at Clemson, she served as an instructor at Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C., and was an attorney at Wukela Law Firm.
“It is an honor to continue to serve the mission of CUF which is support of Clemson University – a mission that ultimately betters lives through education and community,” Purvis said. “I am humbled by the work of promoting growth and stewarding the resources entrusted to CUF and to work alongside a phenomenal and dedicated team at CUF, within the Advancement division, and with our partners throughout the University.”
Purvis graduated from Francis Marion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Mass Communications in 2003 before earning her J.D. at Florida Coastal School of Law.
About Clemson University Foundation
The Clemson University Foundation (CUF), chartered in 1933, is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization promoting the welfare and future development of Clemson University. It seeks financial support through annual gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving and other ongoing fundraising programs. Additionally, CUF manages and disburses assets prudently within a policy that encourages the enhancement of the resources of the Foundation. It is governed by a board of directors consisting of Clemson alumni and friends who share in the pride of the University’s history and who are committed to its promise in the years to come.