BGSU selects proven philanthropy leader Tina Hennessey as next VP for University Advancement

Hennessey is joining Bowling Green from Pennsylvania State University 

Bowling Green State University has selected proven philanthropy leader Tina Hennessey as its next vice president for University Advancement and president and CEO of the BGSU Foundation. 

Hennessey, who was chosen following a national search, will be integral in securing support for scholarships, experiences and University initiatives that increase access to higher education and bolster educational opportunities. Her appointment begins on Nov. 1, 2025, pending approval by the BGSU Board of Trustees this week. 

“We are looking forward to welcoming Tina to Bowling Green this fall, as she brings more than two decades of experience driving transformational philanthropy in higher education, including more than 16 years at The Pennsylvania State University,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “As public funding for higher education continues to face challenges, this is an important leadership role that will be critical in ensuring Bowling Green remains a great value and remains accessible to as many students as possible, supporting our students and our mission as a public university for the public good.” 

Hennessey has held multiple leadership roles at Penn State, where she has most recently served as Penn State’s senior assistant vice president for principal gifts. In that role, she has led the university’s largest donor strategies and closed or supported a record of more than $275 million in principal-level commitments in less than two years.  

Hennessey also held roles as assistant vice president for development, executive director for development, senior director of development for the College of Liberal Arts, gift planning officer and director of major gifts for the College of Engineering. 

A first-generation graduate of Penn State, Hennessey also holds an MBA with distinction from Arcadia University. Before her work in higher education, she spent more than a decade as a journalist and launched a media and public relations company. Additionally, she participated in a year-long Congressional Fellowship Program based in Washington, D.C.  

Hennessey will succeed Pam Conlin as vice president of University Advancement and president and CEO of the BGSU Foundation, who announced her plans to retire later this year.