Megan Ellis
Megan Ellis is an advancement executive specializing in major and principal gifts, campaign leadership, and institutional strategy. She currently serves as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Cottey College, where she leads comprehensive fundraising, donor engagement, alumnae relations, and strategic partnerships. Across more than two decades in nonprofit and higher education settings, she has built a reputation for translating institutional vision into measurable outcomes, strengthening philanthropic pipelines, and aligning stakeholders around long-term growth and sustainability.
Her career includes significant leadership roles at Ohio Wesleyan University, where she spent over a decade building and scaling university advancement initiatives. She led cross-functional teams of up to 28 staff members, directed signature programs integrating student experience with academic and community engagement, and contributed to a record-breaking campaign. Her work consistently centered on building high-performing, collaborative teams and designing programs that connect donor investment directly to student success, including research, career development, service, and global learning opportunities.
Megan recently completed her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, with dissertation research focused on team excellence and how senior leadership teams in liberal arts institutions cultivate trust, accountability, and sustained performance. This scholarly work reflects her professional philosophy: that organizational success is rooted in strong team culture. Influenced by her lifelong connection to higher education, extensive nonprofit leadership experience, and commitment to mentorship and access, she continues to focus on building mission-driven teams that elevate both institutional impact and student opportunity.
• Institutional Research Certification
• Lean Yellow Belt Certification
• Tableau Essential Training
• Penn State University - M.Ed.
• Phi Kappa Phi honor society
• Ohio Wesleyan University Leadership Development Program
• Marketing Leaders Round Table
• National Association of Professional Women
• Ohio Wellness Leaders
• Ohio Wesleyan University Alumni Association
• CrossFit Level
• PEO
• Local humane society
• Feed America
• Women's shelter
• Neighborhood Bridges
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors and colleagues who have believed in me and supported my growth along the way. I have also remained open to new opportunities, which has allowed me to expand my experience and impact. A significant part of my success comes from my commitment to team development and program integration, ensuring that our work is aligned and directly connected to positive student outcomes.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came from two key mentors who each shaped my perspective in different ways. My academic advisor first encouraged me to pursue an opportunity at my alma mater, even when I doubted my own readiness, teaching me the value of trusting others’ belief in my potential and remaining open to new paths. She has remained a direct and trusted mentor throughout my career. I also learned from a former university president who demonstrated the importance of investing in people and knowledge—he once invited me to take books from his personal library as he retired, a simple but powerful reminder to continuously learn and make use of shared wisdom.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to remain curious and open to possibilities, even when you don’t yet see the full path ahead. Many of the opportunities I’ve been able to pursue came from others recognizing potential in me before I fully recognized it in myself and encouraging me to step into roles I might not have initially considered. Being willing to take that step before you feel completely ready, and allowing others to believe in you, can open doors that significantly shape your growth and career trajectory.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the ongoing debate around the value of higher education. I often find myself having to explain and defend both its impact and its cost, as there is growing skepticism about whether the investment is worth it. While I believe higher education plays a critical role in developing future leaders, access and affordability remain significant concerns, and the conversation around value is complex and often nuanced. Another challenge is the shift in student behavior, with more individuals choosing to stay closer to home. While this is understandable, especially from a family perspective, it can limit the broader developmental benefits that come from experiencing new environments, cultures, and communities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are service, community, and perseverance. I place a strong emphasis on giving back through community engagement, whether through organizations like PEO, which supports educational opportunities for women, or local efforts such as the humane society, Feed America, and Neighborhood Bridges, which connects individuals in need with discreet and dignified support. These experiences reinforce my belief that leadership extends beyond the workplace and is rooted in how we show up for others. On a personal level, earning my doctorate while working full-time and raising twin daughters has also shaped my values, strengthening my resilience, perspective, and sense of purpose, all of which continue to guide my approach to leadership and mentorship.