UMHEF Announces Phil Jamieson as Next President/CEO
April 2, 2024
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation’s Board of Trustees has hired Philip Jamieson as its incoming President/CEO. Jamieson succeeds Bob Fletcher who announced his retirement in January 2024 after a thirteen-year tenure. Fletcher will begin a sabbatical June 30, with Jamieson assuming the role July 1.
Jamieson joins UMHEF with more than three decades of experience in United Methodist ministry, planned giving, and fundraising. Since 2013, he has served as President for the United Methodist Foundation for the Tennessee/Western Kentucky Annual Conference and the United Methodist Development Fund for Tennessee/Kentucky.
“Phil Jamieson will be an outstanding president for the UMHEF,” said Bill Johnston, UMHEF Board Chair. “We are confident that the skills he brings will continue to strengthen our Foundation as we support United Methodist students to achieve their educational goals.”
Jamieson is a graduate of Boston College, Asbury Theological Seminary, and Taylor University. He holds a Ph.D. in Theology, Master of Divinity, and Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. He was ordained as an elder in 1991 with the East Ohio Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church through which he served as a pastor for over a decade. He then taught as a professor at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (Dubuque, IA), where he also served as the Director of the United Methodist Studies Program from 2001-2013.
“I am excited to be joining the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. This Foundation does wonderful work helping students fund their education. I am passionate about that mission, and I look forward to joining the Board and partnering with our United Methodist-related colleges, universities, and seminaries in this excellent endeavor,” said newly appointed Jamieson. “I am very pleased to be following Bob Fletcher who has helped the Foundation grow and thrive over the many years of his service.”
In addition to his work with the United Methodist Foundation for the Tennessee/Western Kentucky Annual Conference, Jamieson is a published author, speaker, and teacher on matters related to generosity, stewardship, and the theology of money. He also currently serves as the President of the National Association of United Methodist Foundations. He is an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, has an Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising, and is a Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning.
The UMHEF Board of Trustees was unanimous in its approval of Jamieson for the role of President/CEO. Jamieson will carry on the excellence with which Fletcher has led the foundation in fundraising, asset management, and relations with United Methodist partners, donors, higher education institutions, as well as students and families. Fletcher will remain in a consultant role before fully retiring on December 31, 2024.
UMHEF is a private non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Nashville, TN with the grand vision to make it financially possible for qualified students to attend United Methodist-related institutions of higher education. Annually, the private non-profit foundation awards $2+ million in scholarships to nearly 1,000 students. Learn more.