Spelman College Announces Alumna Christian Murphy as Acting Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Murphy, C'07, Makes Return to Spelman to Lead Institutional Advancement

Spelman College is pleased to announce that Christian Murphy, C’2007, has returned to serve as the Acting Vice President for Institutional Advancement, effective February 9.

As we position Spelman for the future, it becomes vital to secure investments that enable us to increase access and affordability, support our faculty who are driving academic innovation and modernization, prepare our graduates for life after Spelman, and shore up our institutional reliance and technology infrastructure.

In this role, Murphy will report directly to the President and provide strategic direction and oversight of the College’s fundraising efforts to include annual giving, individual planned giving, corporate and foundation fundraising and alumnae engagement. She will partner with the Board of Trustees, faculty, alumnae and friends of the College to establish and accomplish goals that advance the College's strategic priorities.

A proud Spelman alumna and a highly accomplished philanthropic leader, Murphy brings more than 15 years of experience in institutional advancement, campaign strategy, and organizational growth. She began her fundraising career at Spelman College, contributing to an historic campaign and helping to achieve a record 41% alumnae giving participation. Since then, she has held executive roles at leading Atlanta‑based nonprofits, where she has surpassed fundraising targets by millions and introduced high‑impact engagement initiatives.

Her commitment to service and leadership is also reflected in her recognitions, including Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 (2023) and her selection as a LEAD Atlanta Fellow (Class of 2022).

We are grateful to welcome back an alumna whose expertise and passion will help us to further enrich the future of Spelman College. Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to our community.