Wayne Davenport is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement at the University of Illinois Springfield, where he leads efforts to connect alumni and friends with the university¿s mission and priorities. With more than 15 years of experience in higher education advancement, Wayne is committed to fostering relationships that turn passion into impact through philanthropy.

Before joining UIS, Wayne served as Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Arts and Science at the University of Missouri. In that role, he partnered closely with academic leadership to support college initiatives, build donor engagement, and grow major gift activity.

His advancement career also includes leadership roles at Tarleton State University and Texas A&M University-Commerce (now East Texas A&M), where he served as Senior Director of Development. At each institution, Wayne brought a strategic focus to fundraising and a strong belief in the power of education to transform lives.

Wayne holds both a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Science and Technology and a Master of Science in Animal Science from Texas A&M University-Commerce. As a first-generation college graduate, he values the role of philanthropy in expanding access and opportunity for students.

He finds great purpose in connecting donors with the causes they care about and building a culture of giving that strengthens institutions for generations to come.