Jennifer Schall’s path to becoming Union Adventist University’s new vice president for Advancement began selling yearbook ads. As a student at Midland Academy, she enjoyed connecting with businesses and raising money to support the publication.
When Jim Hoehn, then president of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference, asked what career she wanted to pursue, Schall told him about her sales experience, and said she had been considering marketing or advertising.
His reply? “You need to look into institutional development, and you need to connect with LuAnn Davis.”
That chat and subsequent conversations with Davis and Jackie Smith cemented in the high school student’s mind a lifelong calling.
“I met LuAnn, I met Buell [Fogg], and I was just sold,” Schall said. “I took my institutional development classes from LuAnn, and I worked with Buell. Mike and Michelle Mesnard and Barry and Lisa Forbes all served as academic advisers. I had the time of my life in college because of the amazing mentors I found. I’m so honored to be in a position to help continue their legacy at Union.”
After graduating from Union in 2005, Schall put her institutional development degree to work at several nonprofit organizations both as a fund raiser and event planner. Her résumé includes the University of Nebraska Foundation, Mid-Plains Community College, Girl Scouts of America, Nebraska National Guard and Capitol Humane Society. Still, a dream that had formed when she was a student remained in the back of her mind.
“It’s like the song says, ‘I wanta go back, I gotta go back to Union again,’” Schall said.
“I always knew I wanted to work at Union,” she continued. “I love this community. I just didn’t know exactly how it was going to happen. People who have a wonderful boss like LuAnn don’t just leave. Obviously, it had to be on God’s time.”
While Schall was attending commencement at Union in 2017, Davis told her, “There’s something I need to ask you.”
Schall tried to remain professional on the outside. “Inside, I was screaming, It’s happening! OK, God, here we go! Let’s do this!” she said. That summer, as Linda Skinner ’71 prepared to retire, Schall returned to Union as director of major gifts.
“Working alongside LuAnn for these nine years has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Schall said. “She has been such a champion of Union through good times and hard times. She has such an amazing analytical mind combined with such a caring heart that is overflowing with love for our students and for Union. When there’s a problem, LuAnn solves it. When we need just a little more money to help a student out, I’m convinced God tells her which phone numbers to dial. Filling her shoes will be a huge responsibility, but I know when I need help, she’s just a phone call away.”
Schall is grateful for the love Union’s alumni and constituents continue to demonstrate to future generations. “I’m not exaggerating when I say Union has the best alumni,” Schall said. “When I meet with colleagues from other universities, I hear their problems, I pray for them, and I become all the more grateful for Union’s alumni … Other schools are shocked by how deeply our alumni care about Union. What can I say? They are wonderful people, and it’s a blessing to work with them.”
As Davis retires after 38 years at Union and 44 years of denominational service, she passionately encourages Union’s alumni, constituents and friends to continue praying and giving, knowing their support keeps the university’s mission shining brightly. “Our donors are an essential part of the students’ campus experience,” Davis said. “I am grateful to have someone with so much love for these stakeholders and the university now carrying the torch and keeping our vision alive. Jennifer is capable, caring and a quick learner – she’s a shining light to everyone she meets. With her leadership, our faithful alumni and supporters will continue to create miracles and inspire hope for the students God brings to Union, just as they have for 135 years. Together, the light of love and possibility will burn even brighter for generations to come.”
