Following a competitive national search, Bridgewater College announces that Meg Flory Riner will assume the role of Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Since May, in her role as Interim Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Riner has led the areas of institutional advancement, alumni relations and campus events while securing significant gifts to the College. Riner has more than two decades of development experience, and, in her nine years partnering with President David Bushman at BC, she has secured more than $18 million in major gifts for the institution as well as developed lasting relationships with donors, alumni and community members from across the Valley.
“I am thrilled to announce that Meg will be continuing her excellent work at the College as our new Vice President for Advancement,” said President Bushman. “She has proven that she has the experience and skills necessary to lead the College’s advancement efforts in support of our core mission of providing life-changing opportunities and lifelong connections for our students.”
Throughout her career, Riner has succeeded in securing millions of dollars in philanthropic contributions for higher education, nonprofit and healthcare organizations. She joined the College in 2014, following her work in development at the Bon Secours Hampton Roads Foundation. Riner holds a bachelor of arts in speech communication from James Madison University and earned a fundraising and development certificate from the University of Richmond’s Institute on Philanthropy. She is also a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and participated in the 2022-23 Senior Leadership Seminar for the Virginia Network for Women in Higher Education.
Riner’s connections to Bridgewater extend beyond her career. Her great-grandfather, John S. Flory Sr., served as the College’s second president from 1910-1919. Many of Riner’s family members are proud BC graduates.
“The mission and values of Bridgewater College mean so much to me,” Riner said. “Witnessing firsthand the transformation the College has on our students’ lives is more than just a testament to the extraordinary impact we have; it’s inspirational. The opportunity to serve this institution is an honor I cherish deeply. Nothing is more fulfilling than aligning donors’ philanthropic interests with the top priorities of the College and seeing the joy their philanthropy brings to them and others. I am thrilled to continue to lead our fundraising and alumni engagement efforts, and I eagerly anticipate the journey that lies ahead.”
Media Contact:
Jessica Luck
Editor and Director of Media Relations
(540) 828-5720
jluck@bridgewater.edu
