Alvin P. “Bun” Perkinson Jr, is the newly selected interim Vice President of University Relations & Development at Tennessee State University.
Perkinson will now be responsible for strategically and operationally for all fundraising at TSU. Other responsibilities include building on the continued success of the university’s current fundraising attempts.
In a press release sent out by the university on July 5, the current university interim President Portia H. Shields, commented on welcoming Perkinson.
“He brings energy, purpose and enthusiasm to a successful university that is making giant steps forward. His wealth of knowledge, resources and professional experience in a variety of areas of higher education will strongly support the advancement efforts at TSU and continue the tradition of academic excellence.”
Perkinson started his current position on July 2.
His professional career includes experience in both business and higher education. For 12 years Perkinson served as the President of St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C. During his tenure yearly gift income and endowment levels nearly doubled, enrollment increased by 50 percent, and in 1978 the college received its first million-dollar gift.
Other positions held by Perkinson include chief advancement officer at Millsaps College and chief development officer at Rhodes College.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to become the newest member of the TSU community and to join the dedicated team in the University Relations division,” said Perkinson in a TSU press release. “I also look forward to meeting and working with the friends of the University and alumni in expanding the impact the institution is having on its students and higher education.”
Recently, Perkinson is the fourth to be announced selected to hold an interim appointment for TSU under current interim President Shields.
