Dr. Corynn Gilbert, Director of Development at Bushnell University, has dedicated her career to Christian higher education. With a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Northwest Nazarene University and a background in student affairs and higher education administration, she has worked in various capacities at institutions such as Dartmouth College, Georgetown University, and Fuller Theological Seminary. Beginning her career in academic and career advising, she later transitioned into development and fundraising, bringing her understanding of student needs to her work in securing scholarships and funding opportunities.
Her journey to Bushnell began over 13 years ago when she moved to Eugene, searching for a place that aligned with her values. Having worked in both Christian and private secular universities, she felt a deep connection to Bushnell’s mission of integrating faith and academics. Since joining the university in 2016, she has served in several leadership roles, including Director of Alumni & Donor Relations and Director of University Relations, before stepping into her current role. In addition to leading fundraising initiatives, she also serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Beacon, Bushnell’s official magazine, and maintains an active presence in the community, currently serving as President of the Board of Directors for Eugene Ballet.
We sat down with Dr. Gilbert to hear more about her passion for education, her commitment to faith-centered learning, and how her experiences in both Christian and secular institutions shape her work at Bushnell. You can watch the full interview on Bushnell University’s YouTube channel. Below, Dr. Gilbert shares her insights on the power of storytelling, the impact of scholarships, and her advice for students looking to build meaningful relationships and make the most of their time at Bushnell.
Dr. Gilbert is passionate about storytelling—sharing the impact of Bushnell with alumni, donors, and community partners. “Most people are surprised to find out how much Bushnell is actually doing in our community,” she shares. “We may be a small school, but the size of our impact is incredible.”
For her, one of the most meaningful aspects of her role is knowing that students can attend college because of the work her team does. She personally understands the power of scholarships—her own education was made possible by the generosity of donors. Now, she’s paying that forward, ensuring future generations have the same opportunities.
Beyond fundraising, Dr. Gilbert finds deep joy in Bushnell’s faith-centered environment. “We do such a great job of ensuring students are transformed—heart, head, and hands—through service,” she reflects.
When asked what advice she would give to students, she emphasizes the importance of relationships: “Your time at Bushnell will be so much more meaningful when you invest in the staff and faculty here. Don’t graduate without a handful of people in your corner who will journey with you for the rest of your life.”
Through her leadership, dedication, and passion for Christian higher education, Dr. Corynn Gilbert continues to shape Bushnell University’s future, ensuring that students have the resources, support, and community they need to thrive.