Phillips University Legacy Foundation is excited to announce that on Wednesday, May 1, J. Gottman began work as Director of Development. J. will work remotely, full time, from his home in Paducah, Kentucky, with regular trips to Enid as needed.  He will serve in partnership with Executive Director, Kelly Coker, in support of the mission of PULF by providing scholarships and opportunities to educate and develop leaders who embody Christian values in their lives, service and work.

J. is a graduate of Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, and earned his Masters of Divinity in 1997 from Vanderbilt Divinity School.  Prior to joining PULF, J. served as Director of Development for Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN. Additionally, he served 6 years as pastor at Century Christian Church in Owensboro, Kentucky, followed by more than 11 years as Lead Pastor at First Christian Church of Paducah. He is an experienced fundraiser and minister who appreciates the value of PULF’s mission of providing scholarships to undergraduate students who wish to attend a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliated college or university.

J. has been married for 23 years to Erin, a Nurse Practitioner. They have a daughter, Bailey, who just graduated high school and will be attending Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, this fall; and a son, Gage, who will be a sophomore in high school.

J. will have primary responsibilities for the Annual Scholarship Fund, alumni/ae relations, regional PULF gatherings around the country, major gifts, and the Legacy Foundation of planned givers.

He is excited about partnering in the mission of PULF and looks forward to seeing the Legacy Foundation grow in providing even more scholarships to deserving students.