wfn.org | Black College endowment receives first director

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

July 24, 2002  News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert7(615)742-54707Nashville,
Tenn.   10-31-71B{323}

NOTE:  A head-and-shoulders photo of Rhonnie Hemphill is available at
http://umns.umc.org/photos/headshots.html.

By Pamela J. Crosby*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)-With the appointment of the first director of the
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Endowment, the 11 historically
black higher education institutions related to the United Methodist Church
move a step closer in their campaign to raise an endowment of at least $300
million.

Rhonnie Hemphill comes to the position with more than 25 years of
development experience, most recently as the chief development officer at
Church World Service. Previously, he spent many years in development-related
positions at the American Red Cross. 
 
The 2000 General Conference, the denomination's top lawmaking body,
authorized the $300 million campaign. The United Methodist Higher Education
Foundation in cooperation with the church's Board of Higher Education and
Ministry and the Council of Presidents of the church's historically black
colleges, will administer the funds.
As director, Hemphill will develop a strategic plan to raise $300 million in
endowment funds to augment the $205 million endowment now held collectively
by the 11 institutions.
 "Rhonnie Hemphill exemplifies the vision of the historically black college
and university endowment initiative," said George M. Miller, president and
CEO of the foundation. "He brings a breadth and scope of development
expertise and personal commitment that will enable us to make great strides
toward supporting our historically Black colleges and universities, which
produce a significant number of leaders in the church and society. We look
forward to this association and the development of this extremely important
endowment."

For more information, contact the foundation at umhef@gbhem.org; 1001 19th
Ave., South, Nashville, TN 37212; phone (800) 811-8110; fax (615) 340-7330;
or visit www.umhef.org

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*Crosby is a staff member in the Office of Interpretation at the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville, Tenn.

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United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org