As vice president for University Advancement, Dr. Meredith Brunen is responsible for overseeing the University Advancement division, which includes Development, Alumni Engagement, Communications and Marketing, Advancement Services, Constituent Relations and Special Events. She also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the UWG Foundations, the university's nonprofit corporations: UWG Foundation, UWG Athletic Foundation and UWG Real Estate Foundation. 

Dr. Brunen previously served as vice chancellor for University Advancement and chief executive officer of two foundations at the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She worked extensively and successfully to enhance fundraising outcomes for the university, help elevate the profile of USC Upstate, and engage community partners by sharing a strategic vision and the importance of the university to the region.

Prior to joining USC Upstate, Dr. Brunen served in executive leadership roles at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida, and Northwest Arkansas Community College Foundation in Bentonville, Arkansas.

As a practitioner and contributor to her field, Dr. Brunen has conducted, published, and presented research focused on institutional advancement in higher education. She is an active member of numerous national organizations, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the American Association of University Women, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

As a result of her achievements, both personally and professionally, she was named the “2019 Outstanding Young Alumni of the Year” by the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas, recognized as a “Forty Under 40” by the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal, and honored as the “2014 Young Woman of the Year” at the Northwest Arkansas Business Women’s Conference.

A Fayetteville, Arkansas native, Dr. Brunen earned three degrees from the University of Arkansas: a bachelor’s degree in international relations and Middle East studies, and both master’s and doctoral degrees in higher education leadership. She is married to Kyle Brunen, a health and wellness professional, and they have two young sons.