Paula Jonse

Director of Development

Paula Jonse is an energetic and passionate fundraising professional with twenty years of experience in higher education development and alumni programming. Her advancement career began at Austin College as assistant director of the annual fund and later she moved into leadership roles successfully leading annual fund campaigns as well as managing a portfolio of major gift and leadership donors. Paula oversaw the Alumni Engagement Programs and Events including Commencement Weekend and Homecoming Weekend. Their team was recognized at the 2015 CASE District IV Conference Recognition Ceremony with a Silver Award for Homecoming 2014 “Come Home to Roo Nation” for a weekend scheduled that included Alumni College: ‘Roos Who Write” a writer’s conference. She has experience in event planning and execution, project management and board and volunteer recruitment and management.

She has demonstrated success in effective relationship building and describes her career as not just a job but a purpose, “it provides meaning and purpose in ways that motivate and inspire me. Before leaving Austin College in 2019 Paula secured a $2M commitment in support of the Power Austin College Campaign. Right as COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, she collaborated with faculty and staff in her College to secure a six-figure commitment to underwrite EPIC, Empowering Personal Interaction in the Community, supporting UNT's initiative to provide programs on campus and in the community for young adults with neurodivergent disorders. These represent her commitment to a work environment that encourages and fosters collaboration and teamwork to achieve a common goal.

Paula is a graduate of Austin College earning her B.A. in English Literature, (honors) 2002; Phi Beta Kappa induction, class of 02.

Joining the foundation staff as director of development represents a home coming for Paula after pursuing an opportunity at a large state university. “I am so blessed and thankful to come home where I have an opportunity to work with Randy Truxal and our amazing staff. I love that I am a part of the Grayson College family/community and look forward to making an impact in my community. GO Vikings!!!!

Position Title: Director of Development
Department: Foundation

Foundation Office

  jonsep [at] grayson [dot] edu
  903-463-8766