Hokie ClubResponsibilities: JaVonte' is responsible for managing the Hokie Club’s major gift fundraising team. He also works closely with the Executive Associate AD of Administration & Support Programs, Athletics Director, coaches and athletics staff to develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies in support of their programs and the university’s identified fundraising priorities.
Joined VT Athletics Staff: October 2025
Prior to Virginia Tech: JaVonte' comes to Blacksburg from the University of Tennessee, where he most recently served as assistant athletic director for major gifts in the Tennessee Fund. He played a key role on a team that had four consecutive record-breaking fundraising years. In FY25, the Tennessee Fund raised $169.5 million, the highest year for athletic fundraising in school history. His responsibilities included identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts, managing two associate directors of major gifts, and working closely with the executive associate director of athletics to develop and implement major gift strategies.
Prior to his time in Tennessee, JaVonte' served as a director of development at East Tennessee State University serving as a lead fundraiser alongside the Dean to develop and implement strategic fundraising initiatives for the College of Business and Technology.
Prior to joining East Tennessee State University, JaVonte' served in various roles in the athletics industry. From 2014 to 2017, he served as an assistant athletic director for academic services, events and game-day operations, as well as an adjunct professor at Emmanuel University in Franklin Springs, GA. He spent 2011 - 2014 at his alma mater, King University. While at King he served in several roles including associate head men’s & women’s wrestling coach, game day manager, and director of new freshman undergraduate recruitment.
JaVonte' was a four year starter for King University's Men's Wrestling team where became the program's first ever All-American in 2008. In 2023, he became the first wrestler inducted into King University's Athletics Hall of Fame.
Education: King University, 2009 (B.A. Online Media and Marketing); McKendree University, 2013 (MAED Higher Education Administrative Services); ETSU, 2023 (Ed.D. Global Sports Leadership)
Personal: JaVonté is a native of Roanoke, VA.