By Colton Campbell

An alumna and longtime leader at the University of West Georgia has been named the institution’s vice president for university advancement and chief executive officer of UWG’s philanthropic foundations.

Allyson Bretch ’14 has served as interim vice president and CEO since early 2024 and will assume the permanent position on Oct. 1. In this pivotal role, Bretch will spearhead efforts to elevate the institution’s fundraising endeavors and visibility, drive strategies for securing major gifts, and fortify the bond between alumni and the university.  

“I am delighted to convert Allyson’s interim appointment to a permanent one. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to UWG. Given the various roles Allyson has served in, she understands the entire student journey from recruiting students to maintaining a strong relationship with our alums,” said Dr. Ashwani Monga, UWG’s interim president. “Her deep connection to the university as both an alumna and leader, and her terrific skills in connecting with people, position Allyson well to keep driving our advancement efforts and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors and the broader community to support the future of UWG.”  

A passionate alumna who began serving UWG more than a decade ago, Bretch brings to this position a wealth of knowledge of the institution and its surrounding communities.  

Her journey at UWG began in 2012, when she started classes as a graduate student in the professional counseling master’s program with a concentration in college student affairs after earning her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Samford University in 2009.  

Alongside her work toward her master’s degree at UWG, Bretch served the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a graduate assistant. She remained in recruitment-centered work until 2018, when she transitioned to University Advancement and, over six years, expanded her portfolio to now provide leadership of the entire division.  

“My journey at UWG has been deeply rewarding both personally and professionally, and I am honored to continue advancing our mission in this role,” Bretch said. “I look forward to working with our alumni, supporters and community partners to elevate UWG’s impact and ensure our students have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”  

In her newly permanent role, Bretch will focus on building upon UWG’s strong foundation of philanthropy, working closely with donors and the institution’s philanthropic foundations to identify opportunities for investment in the university’s future. She will also lead efforts to enhance alumni and constituent engagement and to raise the profile of the institution through integrated communications and marketing.  

Bretch and her husband, Jason, reside in Carrollton with their young son, Knox.