Tyrone Jimmison is a seasoned advancement professional with more than 15 years of leadership experience driving fundraising success across higher education and healthcare institutions. A proven strategist and team builder, he has a distinguished record of securing transformative gifts, strengthening donor relationships, and building high-performing teams that consistently exceed ambitious goals.
Most recently, Tyrone served as Chief Development Officer at the University of Houston, where he led fundraising strategies across nine schools and units. In this role, he implemented comprehensive fundraising plans encompassing annual giving, major and principal gifts, corporate and foundation relations, and planned giving. Under his leadership, his team of major gift officers achieved significant growth in philanthropic revenue while advancing faculty engagement and institutional priorities.
Prior to his work at Houston, Tyrone was Executive Director of Advancement at the University of Rochester, where he collaborated with academic and advancement leaders to elevate giving to the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences—achieving a 50% increase in major gift revenue and contributing to more than $18 million raised during his tenure. Earlier, as Director of Philanthropy for UW Medicine, he spearheaded grateful patient and faculty engagement programs that contributed to the university’s record-breaking $6.3 billion Be Boundless Campaign.
Tyrone began his advancement career at the University of Texas at Austin, where he secured over $2.5 million in major gifts as part of the $3 billion Campaign for Texas, and at Texas Christian University, where he led class giving initiatives during a $500 million campaign. His earlier experience in admissions and student affairs gives him a comprehensive understanding of the academic enterprise and a deep appreciation for student and faculty success.
A dynamic and mission-driven leader, Tyrone is known for his collaborative style, strategic vision, and commitment to creating inclusive, high-performing advancement environments. He has served on multiple institutional committees focused on leadership, diversity, and student success.
Tyrone holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration (Higher Education) from Texas Christian University and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology with minors in Health and Athletic Training from the University of Mount Union.