WCU Stories      April 28, 2025

By Bill Studenc

There’s a new member of the Division of Advancement team at Western Carolina University, and her name is Maddie.

She doesn’t have a last name because she doesn’t need one. Maddie is WCU’s first-ever virtual engagement officer, a non-human avatar powered by artificial intelligence.

“Maddie, who is named in honor of WCU founder Robert Lee Madison, represents a bold step into the future of alumni and donor engagement,” said James Hogan, assistant vice chancellor for engagement. “She joins us at an especially important time in WCU history during our ongoing ‘Fill the Western Sky’ comprehensive fundraising campaign.”

The campaign, which entered its public phase earlier this year, is an effort to raise a minimum of $100 million in philanthropic support for the university’s academic, student engagement and athletics programs. Only the third comprehensive fundraising campaign in WCU’s 136 years of existence, “Fill the Western Sky” is the first with a significant focus on obtaining financial support for improvements to the university’s athletics facilities.

Developed in partnership with Givzey, a technology company that works with nonprofit organizations across the nation, Maddie is designed to enhance the donor experience by providing a personalized and interactive connection to the university, Hogan said.

“Maddie represents an innovative new way for us to engage with alumni and donors,” he said. “She is more than merely an avatar. Maddie also serves as a sort-of digital concierge for all things Western. She will provide campus updates, share opportunities to give and help members of the WCU family stay connected.”

Maddie will roll out during a pilot project scheduled to get underway Thursday, May 1, and Hogan encouraged alumni, donors and friends to get to know her.

“User feedback is essential, and we’d love to hear from as many people as possible about their experiences interacting with Maddie,” he said. “That engagement is key to helping her grow and adapt.”

To learn more and get a sneak peek of Maddie in action, visit westerncarolina.ai