Jennifer Yelovina

Jennifer Yelovina, CFRE, CAP®, serves as Interim Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Western Michigan University Foundation. She provides strategic leadership to advance Western's mission through philanthropy and engagement.

Jennifer brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher education and healthcare. She has built and led high-performing fundraising programs, developed comprehensive philanthropy strategies and cultivated partnerships that align donor passions with institutional priorities. Since joining Western Michigan University in 2022, she has revitalized the University's gift planning program, launched its principal gifts program and helped advance the University for its next phase of philanthropic growth.

A respected speaker on philanthropy and fundraising strategy, Jennifer has presented nationally for organizations including the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, CASE and Crescendo Interactive. She is a past president of the Western Michigan Planned Giving Group and previously served on the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners Conference Committee.

Jennifer holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) and Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credentials and earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She is passionate about building a culture of philanthropy that inspires investment in student success, academic excellence and the future of Western Michigan University.