Jackson State University has named Sloan Cargill Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs and Executive Director of the JSU Development Foundation, Inc. She will join the university’s Executive Cabinet under the leadership of President Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D.
“I am excited and deeply honored to serve Jackson State University as vice president for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs,” said Cargill. “Under President Thompson’s leadership, I look forward to advancing philanthropic efforts, strengthening alumni engagement and building partnerships that drive transformative investment in scholarships and student success. Together, we will ensure JSU has the resources to expand its impact and remain THEE global leader for generations to come.”
Cargill brings extensive experience in institutional advancement, alumni engagement and philanthropy. As Director of Annual Giving at Howard University, she implemented strategies that drove an 81% increase in annual giving revenue, raising over $25 million during the last three years. She also launched the Impact Howard Funds, a unified brand for 21 unrestricted giving opportunities, and spearheaded the acquisition of GiveCampus, a premier fundraising platform that improved donor engagement. Her leadership also resulted in a 26% increase in undergraduate donors and a 28% increase in overall alumni donors.
“Sloan Cargill’s innovative approach to philanthropy and her commitment to building meaningful connections align perfectly with Jackson State University’s mission,” said Thompson. “Her expertise will help advance institutional growth and expand alumni engagement while securing vital resources for transformative initiatives.”
Cargill’s professional achievements include revitalizing the Engineering for Professionals Advisory Board at Johns Hopkins University and launching the inaugural Day-of-Giving campaign at John Carroll University, which raised over $250,000 in just 36 hours. Her efforts consistently strengthened donor participation and alumni engagement.
A graduate of Colby College, Cargill earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology with a minor in women, gender and sexuality studies. She studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark and St. Petersburg, Russia. Cargill is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and serves on the Young Women’s Advisory Board at TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, as well as the Alumnae Council at Hathaway Brown School.
Cargill’s appointment is contingent upon approval by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.