Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The University of Illinois Springfield has announced the appointment of Lisa Cook as the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development. Cook will spearhead fundraising efforts and serve as the athletic department’s liaison to the Division of Advancement. She began the role on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
“We are excited to welcome Lisa Cook to UIS,” said Wayne Davenport, associate vice chancellor for development. “Lisa brings valuable Division I experience and a strong background in athletic development that will be a tremendous asset to both our advancement and athletics teams. With her ties to central Illinois and proven success in college athletics, Lisa is well positioned to make a lasting impact on Prairie Stars athletics and the donors who support our student-athletes.”
Cook comes to UIS from Bradley, where she held a key position in athletic development and fundraising. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Development at Bradley, where she achieved significant milestones, including increasing the Braves Club Annual Fund’s total revenue by 25%, raising over $1 million. Cook’s responsibilities at Bradley also included the oversight of special events, which were strategically designed to generate revenue, build relationships, and attract new donors to the athletic department.
At UIS, Cook’s local roots in Morton, Illinois, are anticipated to enhance her effectiveness in her new role. Her familiarity with central Illinois, combined with her extensive experience in athletic development, positions her to significantly impact the UIS athletic program.
“This is a home run hire for UIS and our athletics program,” said UIS Director of Athletics Mike Hermann. “She did a great job in two different stints at Bradley. Her knowledge of college athletics and central Illinois will enable her to make an immediate impact at UIS. I know our supporters are going to enjoy getting to know Lisa.”
During her time at Bradley, Cook was instrumental in the development and execution of several fundraising initiatives. As a member of the steering committee for the 2024 Bradley Day of Giving, Cook helped raise $538,596, surpassing a record number of 1,100 donors. She was also involved in managing a portfolio of 200 donors and prospects, facilitating cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
Cook’s leadership extended to her role as the Director of the Braves Club, where she was responsible for guiding fundraising efforts throughout the athletic department. Her work included overseeing the Braves Club annual fund, facilitating events, and collaborating with coaching staff to cultivate program-specific donors.
In addition to her roles in fundraising and development, Cook has been actively involved in the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) as the Missouri Valley Representative, where she facilitated collaboration meetings and reported financial documentation for all Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) fundraising metrics.
Lisa Cook‘s appointment is expected to bring strategic advancements to the UIS athletic department, leveraging her expertise in athletics fundraising, stewardship, major gifts, and large-scale partnerships. Her strategic role at UIS will focus on building strong relationships with donors and enhancing the university’s athletics program through increased financial support.
