Martin L. O’Gwynn, vice president for community and corporate engagement at Oklahoma City University, has been named North Greenville University’s new vice president for advancement.

O’Gwynn, who begins his role May 1, brings more than 30 years of experience in the field.

“We are humbled by God’s providence in leading us to invite Mr. O’Gwynn to join the North Greenville family. He and Deborah will quickly become important members of our community and will bring their talents to bear in many ways,” president Gene C. Fant Jr. said. “I believe that God has prepared him for just this position, and we look forward to seeing how God will use his skills to support our unique, Christ-first mission.”

O’Gwynn said he looks forward to serving with university colleagues to strengthen the school’s facilities and resources.

“North Greenville University is at a key point in its 125-year history, poised for expanded effectiveness in a day when the need for distinctively prepared college graduates is as great as ever,” he said. “Our bedrock commitment to higher education in a Christ-focused community is critically important for equipping servant-leaders for local, national and global arenas.”

O’Gwynn will lead NGU’s advancement team, helping to connect resources with the university’s mission. He comes with three decades of experience, including more than 20 years at NGU’s sister institution, Oklahoma Baptist University. Most recently, he has served at Oklahoma City University, where he worked with colleagues on a major capital campaign, including multiple million-dollar gifts. In addition, he has also served at Palm Beach Atlantic and Shorter colleges.

O’Gwynn has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Baylor University and a master’s degree in communication from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

David Whitlock, president of Oklahoma Baptist University, said the first word that comes to mind about O’Gwynn is “authentic.”

“He is genuine. He is genuinely fun to work with, genuinely interested in others, and absolutely authentic in his relationships,” Whitlock said. “NGU will be blessed by his work ethic and his commitment to Christian higher education.”

O’Gwynn and his wife, Deborah, have been married for 32 years and have two adult sons and a daughter-in-law.

— LaVerne Howell is director of communications at North Greenville University.