Warner University has appointed Scott Carter as Vice President of Advancement & External Relations. Carter joins the Warner family from Estes Park, Colorado, where he most recently served as Chief Development Officer at Resurrection Christian School in Loveland, Colorado.
Carter brings 28 years of experience leading philanthropic programs for a diverse range of organizations. He served his alma mater Sterling College (KS), a fellow member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, in various roles including enrollment, alumni, and nine years as Vice President of Institutional Advancement. During his tenure, he led the “SterlingNOW” capital campaign, exceeding its $25 million goal and ultimately securing $31 million in gifts and commitments. This campaign funded 100,000 square feet of new or renovated campus facilities and increased the college’s endowment by 22%.
Dr. Gentry Sutton, President of Warner University, says, “I could not be more excited that Scott has agreed to join the Warner family. He is an experienced advancement leader with a proven history of success in both fundraising and relationship building. I believe that Scott is the perfect choice to help lead Warner into its next season of growth and development. He not only knows how to do the work, but he is also driven by a desire to serve Christian higher education because he understands the cultural importance of institutions like Warner.”
Carter served five years at the University of Colorado-Boulder in major gifts roles with both the CU Foundation and, most recently, with the Buff Club, the fundraising arm for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Additionally, Carter worked with prominent international nonprofit organizations such as Junior Achievement National Headquarters (JA) and the YMCA. At JA, he oversaw field fundraising programs for 163 franchises throughout the United States, growing organizational revenue 15% annually and reaching $121 million in 2001. At the YMCA of the Rockies, he helped achieve a 66% growth in giving and a 20% rise in new donors over three years.
In addition to his campaign experience at Sterling College, Carter has been involved as a team member at various stages of four other comprehensive capital campaigns of $50 million (2), $125 million, and $750 million.
Carter’s entrepreneurial background further enhances his approach to philanthropy. As a former minority owner of Event Transportation Associates, he coordinated logistics for major sporting and entertainment events, including seven-figure agreements for the NBA and NHL All-Star Weekends. He also owned a restaurant establishment in Estes Park.
Carter is married to Heather McCreery, and together they have two children: Micah, a sophomore studying architectural design at the University of Colorado–Denver, and Kylee, a junior at Estes Park High School. In his free time, Carter enjoys traveling with his family, paddleboarding, participating in men’s ministry activities, watching college football, and reading about history and sports history.
Carter holds a Master’s in Sports Administration from Ohio University, the nation’s top-ranked sports management program, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Sterling College.
Warner University is excited to welcome Scott Carter to our leadership team. His deep experience, visionary mindset, and heart for Christian education align perfectly with our mission. We look forward to the impact he will make in advancing Warner’s mission and helping us build a stronger future together.
