Bethany College Appoints Jason Koegler as Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement and Advancement

BETHANY, W.Va. (May 5, 2025) – Bethany College is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Koegler as associate vice president of alumni engagement and advancement. Koegler brings more than 15 years of strategic leadership experience in external affairs, fundraising, community engagement, and higher education advancement to this vital role.  

n this new position, Koegler will lead Bethany’s efforts to deepen alumni relations, expand donor participation, and forge strategic partnerships that benefit the College’s mission and student experience. He will serve as a key member of the advancement team, reporting to Vice President of Advancement, Marketing, and Communications Lori Weaver.  

“Jason has a proven record of success in cultivating transformational relationships, growing institutional giving, and launching innovative engagement strategies,” says Weaver. “His energy, entrepreneurial mindset, and deep roots in West Virginia’s higher education and nonprofit sectors make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team.”  

Koegler most recently served as executive director of Grow Ohio Valley, a Wheeling-based nonprofit focused on sustainable food systems and community revitalization. He previously spent more than 15 years at West Liberty University as vice president for external affairs, where he led major gifts, branding, corporate relations, and alumni initiatives— supporting the raising of more than $15 million in external funding and more than doubling the university foundation’s endowment.  

“I’m thrilled to join Bethany College and help strengthen the alumni and donor community that makes this institution so special,” Koegler says. “I look forward to building lasting connections that will support student success and advance Bethany’s legacy for years to come.”  

Holding an MBA from West Liberty University and an MA in Higher Education Administration from West Virginia University, he is also a co-founder of Weelunk.com, a Wheeling-based civic media organization. He serves on numerous nonprofit boards throughout the region, including Wheeling Heritage, Friends of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, and Youth Services System. 

In his new role, Koegler will lead a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy focused on increasing participation in Bethany’s giving societies, expanding regional and affinity-based alumni events, and strengthening the College’s corporate and philanthropic partnerships. He will also play a central role in planning Homecoming and key alumni reunions, launching mentorship and career networking initiatives, and promoting graduate and online programs through targeted outreach. His work will help position Bethany for its next phase of strategic growth and alumni-driven support. 

Koegler resides in Wheeling with his wife, Sarah, and children Campbell (19), Will (17), and Cora (9).