Willie (Will) A. Bradley Jr.
Director of Development, West Virginia University Foundation
Willie Bradley has a proven track record with athletics and institutional advancement with success at higher education institutions such as Texas State University and Penn State University. Currently, the Director of Development for the College of Education and Human Services and the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Willie continues to be a relationship builder and a difference-maker. In addition to AADO, he holds memberships in the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Prior to being in the advancement space, Willie was an arena football player for six years and had stops in Nebraska, Iowa, and Texas. After ending his playing career, Willie was a football coach at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, KS, and Lincoln Pius X High School in Lincoln, NE. Willie earned his bachelor’s degree in sport science from the United States Sports Academy and his Master’s degree in intercollegiate athletic leadership from the University of Washington. He is counting his academic pursuits in the Fall by pursuing his Doctorate in Business Administration from Georgia State University.
How did you get interested in the fundraising profession?
My interest came from being in the Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership Master’s program at the University of Washington (Seattle). I took a class called Development & Fundraising, and I loved it! I thought the opportunity of transforming lives by connecting donors to the mission of a university and open opportunities for students is something that I am passionate about. I believe that I was put on this Earth to transform lives and give others opportunities, which is why I love what I do.
What is something you wish you had known early on in your fundraising career?
Earlier in my fundraising career, I wish that I knew how the profession works, and I wish I had a mentor that looked more like me. I used to feel so lost and isolated when I worked at several PWI’s. If I took what I know now about the opportunities to develop mentors and apply it to my younger self, I would have positioned myself for better opportunities.
What is the one quality every fundraiser should have?
Every fundraiser should be a team player. It is crucial to collaborate and be a team player because you cannot do things alone in fundraising. You must be able to ask for help when you need it.
What inspires you about the fundraising profession?
What inspires me is knowing that I am making a difference and indirectly impacting someone’s future.
How do you want to be remembered as a professional?
I want to be remembered as a professional who was a team player and did everything that he could to help make a difference in every position that he had. Also, he was a leader who led by action and was able to mentor others.