Georgia State University has named Tyrell Warren‑Burnett as its next associate vice president for Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving and executive director of the Georgia State University Alumni Association, effective May 4. In this role, Warren‑Burnett will oversee the university’s alumni engagement strategy, guide annual giving programs, and lead efforts to strengthen the lifelong relationship between Georgia State and its more than 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Warren-Burnett joins Georgia State after nearly nine years at the Oregon State University Foundation, where he most recently served as Senior Director II of Annual Giving Programs. During his tenure, he led a comprehensive academic annual giving program generating approximately $20 million annually, launched and scaled Oregon State’s nationally recognized Dam Proud Day — growing it to more than 8,500 donors and $3.4 million raised in 2025 — and established major initiatives such as the Beavs Fight Hunger campaign and the university’s award-winning emergency fund effort that raised $1.3 million in 2020. He also helped position the OSU Foundation as a national leader in innovative fundraising by launching one of the country’s first Donor Experience Officer programs and advancing the use of technology, AI and data‑driven strategy in annual giving.

In his new role at Georgia State, Warren‑Burnett will lead a unified team dedicated to alumni engagement, volunteer leadership, annual giving strategy and donor pipeline development. As executive director of the alumni association, he will also partner with the Alumni Association Board of Directors to enhance programming, regional engagement and opportunities for Panthers to connect, mentor and support one another and the university.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tyrell to Georgia State,” said Interim Vice President for Advancement Tabatha Michel. “He is a national leader in annual giving and alumni engagement whose creativity, strategic mindset and genuine enthusiasm for building community will elevate Georgia State’s work in profound ways.”

As chair of the Georgia State University Alumni Association Board of Directors, Denise Kennedy (B.A. '06, M.A. '14) also welcomed Warren‑Burnett. “Tyrell is joining Georgia State at an exciting moment. His experience strengthening alumni connections and building inclusive, high‑impact programs will be invaluable as we expand the reach and impact of the alumni association. We look forward to partnering with him to deepen Panther pride across our global alumni community.”

With Warren‑Burnett’s appointment, Georgia State signals a renewed commitment to building a modern, inclusive and connected alumni network grounded in innovation and service. His leadership will play a key role in expanding philanthropic momentum, enhancing the alumni experience and ensuring the university remains a national model for student success and community engagement. For more information about University Advancement and the Georgia State Alumni Association, visit giving.gsu.edu and alumni.gsu.edu.