The Texas A&M Foundation and the College of Arts and Sciences recently welcomed Ophelia Bennett as chief development officer. In this position, Bennett will oversee strategic development plans and lead a team of professionals responsible for expanding and diversifying the college’s private fundraising portfolio.
The Cincinnati native is drawn to Texas A&M’s core values, traditions and transformative education on both a national and international scale. As an Aggie mom of a recent graduate, Bennett looks forward to highlighting the exceptional education provided to Texas A&M students.
“Texas A&M University is second to none,” she said. “Its core values, Aggie spirit, traditions and transformational experiences on both a local and global scale made it the right choice for me. Through my deep-rooted passion to help former students achieve their dreams, I look forward to working with my new team in the College of Arts and Sciences to make a positive impact for generations."
A first-generation college graduate, she received a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies at Eastern Kentucky University; a master's degree in business administration from Midway University; and a Bachelor of Science in communication and information studies from the University of Kentucky. She also holds certificates from Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) International in fundraising and from the Lily School of Philanthropy in nonprofit leadership.
A Trailblazing Career Rooted in Leadership, Education and Philanthropy
During her career, she has led teams in nonprofit management, leadership, infrastructure development and fundraising campaigns, helping raise a career high of $66.4 million. She served as an organizational leadership professor in the College of Innovation and Design at East Texas A&M University, collaborating with the dean where she worked with the dean to integrate mission-critical college functions, such as student affairs and educational partnerships.
She also served as executive vice president of advancement operations at Tarrant County College, which serves 100,000 students in Fort Worth, Texas. In this position, she was responsible for alumni relations, development and student relations, alongside campaign organization. The largest campaign during her tenure yielded $7.4 million in major gifts.
In addition, Bennett has worked as director of development and grant writing at Habitat for Humanity and as a planned giving officer for the Christian Appalachian Project. She has also served as the treasurer for the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and is the recipient of the CASE Educational Fundraising Award in 2020, which is bestowed to individuals who exemplify well-rounded and detailed development programs that make a difference.
Bennett has been a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals since 2005 and served as a board member on various foundations within the Texas Association of Community Colleges from 2016 to 2022.
Dr. O’s Life Beyond The Office
Beyond her versatile education, Bennett is also the founder and CEO of Dr. O’s Consulting, a pro-bono firm she created in 2019. She enjoys bird watching and is writing a book about her journey to overcome cycles of generational poverty and adversity during her upbringing, and how she reached the professional and personal success she feels humbled to have achieved today.
Another personal passion is music.
“When I was a teenager, I participated in a singing competition at the Eastgate Mall in Eastgate, Ohio, where I grew up,” Bennet said. “I sang ‘How Do You Talk to an Angel’ by The Heights for a chance to participate in a commercial. To my surprise, I won! It was one of the many moments where I learned the value of confidence and perseverance, and I look forward to bringing these values to work with my new team.”