Jo Ellen Eudy Newsome ’93,’13
VP of Institutional Advancement
Phone: 704-463-3222
Email: joellen.newsome@pfeiffer.edu
Jo Ellen began her Pfeiffer career as a work-study student in the Advancement Office and went on to join the staff as a professional in 1996 after working for Girl Scout councils in Charlotte and Asheville, NC. She has served Pfeiffer in numerous roles, including development officer, grant writer, and associate vice president for advancement. Jo Ellen draws on this varied experience in her current role, which she assumed in 2022.
Jo Ellen holds two Pfeiffer degrees: a B.A. in English Writing and a B.S. in Nursing. After receiving her BSN degree, she left Pfeiffer to pursue her nursing career. She worked as a labor and delivery nurse for four years until she returned “home” in 2017. She is personally connected to Pfeiffer’s efforts to make a positive impact in rural healthcare and believes wholeheartedly in the value of that work. She is married to Britt Newsome ’99 and has two children, Jonathan and Catherine. The Newsome family resides in nearby New London, NC.
Cindy Benson
Director of Annual Giving
Phone: (704) 463-3074
Email: cindy.benson@pfeiffer.edu
Cindy has been a part of Pfeiffer’s Advancement team since 1992 and has served in a variety of capacities over the years. Currently, she manages the appeals that seek an annual gift to Pfeiffer. While major gifts typically fund specific and often substantial projects, the continued support of annual donations from alumni and friends – especially unrestricted support – pools together to help the University meet high priority needs and capitalize on worthy opportunities.
Before joining Pfeiffer, Cindy served as director of communication for two other United Methodist affiliated schools – Lambuth University, in Jackson, TN, and Baker University, in Baldwin City, KS. She received a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Kansas. Cindy and her husband, Ron, live in Davidson, NC. Two of their three children and their daughter-in-law are Pfeiffer graduates – Dr. Cathy Benson Laws ’02, Michael Benson ’12, and Audrey Remkus Benson ’12.
Adina Lee Blake ’04
Director of Advancement Services
Phone: 704-463-3036
Email: adina.blake@pfeiffer.edu
After fifteen years away, Adina returned to Pfeiffer’s fundraising team in 2023 and serves as the Director of Advancement Services. She manages the advancement database and provides research, analysis and reporting for Pfeiffer’s fundraising and engagement efforts. Her extensive experience with the database platform has greatly facilitated Pfeiffer’s recent migration to the Cloud.
Before returning to Pfeiffer, Adina served in similar roles at a local health and human services organization and at a boarding and day school in Virginia. She holds an A.A.S. degree from Stanly Community College, a B.S. degree from Pfeiffer University, and an M.S. degree from Devry University. Adina and her husband, Matt, reside in Norwood. They have three children and two grandchildren.
Taylor Brigman ’23
Multi-Channel Content Creator
Phone: 704-463-3035
Email: taylor.brigman@pfeiffer.edu
Taylor earned her Associate in Arts degree from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College before transferring to Pfeiffer in the fall of 2021. At Pfeiffer, she majored in Business Management and Leadership with a concentration in Marketing. Despite being a commuter student, she was very active in campus life, serving as a Junior Senator for the Student Government Association and as a member of the Phi Beta Lambda business club.
Taylor took a work-study position in the Pfeiffer Life office during her first semester, later moving to a dual position in the Provost’s Office and the Marketing Department. Finding her focus in marketing, she stayed with the Marketing Department for the remainder of her college tenure and was offered a full-time position upon graduation in May 2023.
Ashley Burleson
Director of Alumni Engagement
Phone: 704-463-3049
Email: ashley.burleson@pfeiffer.edu
Ashley is a proud graduate of NC State University and joined Pfeiffer full-time in January 2025. She is married to Andrew and has three children: Georgia, Michael, and Matthew. Ashley loves spending time outside and can be found on the sidelines of a soccer field most weekends. She is also an active member of New Mt. Tabor UMC. As Alumni Engagement Director, Ashley is responsible for planning and implementing programs and events that actively engage alumni with the institution, fostering connections and support for the University’s goals. She builds relationships, manages communication, and plays a key role in fundraising efforts by connecting alumni with the school’s needs. Ashley is excited to serve Pfeiffer’s alumni, helping them stay connected to their Falcon family.
Karin Dancy
University Grant Writer
Phone: 704-463-3076
Email: Karin.dancy@pfeiffer.edu
Karin has been with Pfeiffer’s Advancement team since 2019. She brings 30 years of grant expertise, writing proposals and reports, managing grant awards, and conducting grant training. In her role at Pfeiffer, Karin researches grant opportunities, works with faculty and staff to pursue funding, and supports award management.
Before joining Pfeiffer, she freelanced as a grant writer, working with nonprofits and educational organizations across the U.S. Prior to freelancing, Karin served as Director of Grants with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. She received a Master of Public Administration degree from Syracuse University and a B.S. in Political Science from Hampton University. Karin and her husband live in Charlotte with their three children.
Paige Jackson Hill ’24
Coordinator of Advancement Services
Phone: 704-463-3037
Email: paige.jackson@pfeiffer.edu
Paige started working at Pfeiffer as an administrative assistant and marketing intern, while also studying as a full-time undergrad in the University’s 3/2 MBA program. In June of 2023, she became part of Advancement’s full-time staff as she began her graduate degree studies. She currently supports internal operations, including gift processing, as well as external efforts focused on alumni engagement and stewardship. Paige received her BS and MBA degrees from Pfeiffer in May 2024.
Teena Mauldin ’09
Administrative Assistant to the VP of Institutional Advancement
Phone: 704-463-3033
Email: teena.mauldin@pfeiffer.edu
A Stanly County native, Teena Mauldin joined the Advancement team in 2005 and held numerous positions over the years, including office manager, associate alumni director, and development officer. In 2012, she left the Advancement Office to work in the President’s Office as executive assistant to the president, where she served four presidents over the span of 13 years. Teena recently brought her extensive experience with both trustees and donors back to the Advancement Office.
Teena holds a B.A. in Communications from Pfeiffer University. She is married to Randy Mauldin and has two children, Ali and Jake, and one grandson, Oliver. She and her family live in Albemarle, NC.
Gary Veazey
Director of Creative Services
Phone: 704-463-3169
Email: gary.veazey@pfeiffer.edu
Gary joined Pfeiffer in 2014 as Pfeiffer’s first graphic designer. Gary works closely with other departments, including advancement and admissions to develop and design all printed pieces for Pfeiffer. From concept to finished printed or digital piece, Gary helps put Pfeiffer in the best possible light. He is responsible for the branding of the university and athletics in making sure Pfeiffer is properly represented.
Gary graduated from UNC-Charlotte with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Illustration and a minor in Public Relations. He began his career working for a Charlotte ad agency, transitioning to a NASCAR product design company, then for a regional medical center. He lives in Locust, NC with his wife and two children.