UPDATED August 23, 2025
Ken Vaughn was announced as the inaugural Associate Athletic Director for Major Gifts by Director of Athletics in July of 2025. He began the position on August 4th.
"The addition of our first-ever Associate Athletic Director for Major Gifts is a transformational step for Wayne State Athletics and a reflection of the University's strong support of our vision to provide more opportunities for students through sport," stated WSU Director of Athletics Erika Wallace. "This position reinforces our commitment to building a sustainable future through philanthropic investment and deepening our impact in Detroit."
"I'm excited to welcome Kenneth Vaughn into this role, he brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for building meaningful relationships and advancing the mission of higher education through philanthropy. His relationship-first mindset and understanding of what makes our community special, will allow him to make an immediate impact as we work to elevate the Warrior experience."
"Joining Wayne State Athletics is not just a new chapter; it's the perfect intersection of my passion for sports and purpose driven fundraising," commented Vaughn. "Together, we're going to do something special for Warrior Athletics and Detroit!"
Vaughn earned a bachelor's degree in Family Community Services in 2011 from Michigan State, while specializing in Youth Development.
He worked for nearly four years at MSU as an Assistant Director of Development before spending nearly three years as a Director of Development at The Ohio State University for the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Vaughn returned to Michigan spending the next 20 months as a Development Officer for the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
He began working at WSU as the Senior Major Gift Officer for the College of Engineering 19 months ago.
Vaughn earned a pair of Certifications in Discipline of Frontline Fundraising in 2017 and 2024, along with a certificate in Leading for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education in 2020.
The Flint native and his wife, Annisha, have a dog, Chloe.
