Grunenwald Named Vice President of Advancement at NGU
Posted on: October 13, 2026
Tigerville, SC—Albert Grunenwald has been selected to serve as Vice President of Advancement and University Engagement at North Greenville University, following a nationwide search. Grunenwald will begin his role on Dec. 1.
Mr. Grunenwald brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in Christian higher education and nonprofit philanthropy to the role, most recently serving as associate vice president for advancement at Cedarville University.
“We are excited for this new chapter and the leadership Albert will bring to our Office of Advancement and University Engagement,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “Marty O’Gwynn has laid a strong foundation in this role since 2018, and we are excited to build on the momentum we are seeing at NGU.”
“Albert will be a great addition to the NGU administrative team, and I am truly excited to support his leadership,” noted O’Gwynn, who will continue serving at NGU as a major gifts officer. “His broad experience in advancement and his passion to serve others equip him to lead effectively as we expand the impact of NGU’s mission of Christ-centered, academically excellent higher education.”
During his tenure at Cedarville, Grunenwald played a key role in the university’s historic $205.8 million comprehensive campaign and personally secured approximately $2–3 million annually through major and principal gift development. Additionally, annual giving increased from $700,000 to $1 million, while total fundraising grew from $4.7 million to $13.3 million during campaign preparation.
“My wife, Brenda, and I are excited to join the NGU family,” said Grunenwald. “We look forward to serving at a Christ-centered university where the Lord is clearly at work transforming the lives of students for his glory. There is growing momentum at North Greenville and enthusiasm for its future. We are grateful for this opportunity to work alongside faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to advance NGU’s mission.”
Grunenwald previously spent more than two decades with the Iowa 4-H Foundation, where he served in several leadership roles, including Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer.
“In Albert Grunenwald, North Greenville University is gaining a proven advancement leader who combines exceptional fundraising acumen with a winsome spirit and a gift for building lasting, mutually beneficial relationships that will strengthen the university’s mission,” said Dr. Will Smallwood, Vice President for Advancement at Cedarville University. “Albert’s ability to connect the compelling vision of Christ-centered education with meaningful opportunities for generosity was essential to the success of the 1000 Days Transformed: The Campaign for Cedarville. His wise counsel has been invaluable to me, and while I will miss serving alongside him and will always value his friendship, I am thrilled for Albert, his family, and Trailblazers everywhere as he begins his time at NGU.”
Grunenwald serves as a church deacon at Dayton Avenue Baptist Church in Xenia, Ohio. He also teaches a multi-generational adult Life Group and has served on his church’s strategic planning committee.
NGU worked with FaithSearch Partners to launch the search for a new vice president in the spring of 2026, during which they fielded interest from over one hundred individuals. An internal search committee comprised of NGU administrative staff, alumni, and university partners worked alongside FaithSearch throughout the process.
“Albert has the integrity, intelligence, and energy that is required to serve North Greenville University well in this role,” said Laura Messer, an NGU alumna who serves as a member of the university’s Board of Trustees and advancement and investment committee, and who served on the vice president search committee. “Above all, he has a heart for the kingdom and he loves the Lord.”
Grunenwald is a graduate of Concordia College with degrees in marketing and communications, and English writing. Albert and Brenda have been married for thirty-one years and have three children: Jonathon (Juliana), Elizabeth, and Fredrick.
