Johnson and Turner bring experience in fundraising, relationship development and community engagement
Austin, TX – Huston-Tillotson University (HT) has named Dr. Charles Edward Johnson Director of Major Gifts and Strategic Initiatives and Joshua R. Turner Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, strengthening the University’s advancement team as HT continues to expand its philanthropic reach and build support for its long-term priorities.
Both appointments are effective September 1, 2026.
“I am extremely pleased to welcome these two talented major gift development officers to our team,” said Linda Y. Jackson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “Their addition strengthens our commitment to expanding philanthropic partnerships, legacy gifts and endowments that will advance Huston-Tillotson University’s mission and create greater opportunities for our students.”
Johnson brings a diverse background spanning business, broadcasting, ministry and community engagement. Known professionally as Pastor CeJay, he serves as pastor of Faith City Church and director of KOKA, The Heart of Gospel, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He also serves as president of the National Association of Gospel Radio and is founder and CEO of CeJay Enterprises of Louisiana, LLC.
Throughout his career, Johnson has built relationships across the faith, business, media and nonprofit communities while supporting causes ranging from higher education to domestic violence prevention. His work has included advocacy and financial support for HBCUs and initiatives designed to increase students’ access to higher education.
In his new role, Johnson will focus on cultivating major-gift relationships while helping identify and develop strategic opportunities that advance the University’s priorities.
Turner comes to HT with extensive experience in fundraising, development, sales and relationship management. His higher education advancement career includes positions at San José State University, Stanford University, the Kansas State University Foundation and Texas State University.
At San José State, Turner managed a portfolio of more than 150 major-gift prospects and helped generate more than $1 million in contributions. Previously, as Assistant Director of Development for Athletics at Stanford, he was part of a team that raised more than $10 million in each of two consecutive fiscal years. At the Kansas State University Foundation, he personally generated $1.1 million in contributions.
Turner earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Jackson State University and a Master of Arts in Sports Administration from Northwestern University.
As Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, Turner will cultivate relationships with alumni, friends and prospective donors, with particular emphasis on major and planned gifts that can provide lasting support for HT students and the University.
The appointments come as Huston-Tillotson continues to build upon growing philanthropic support and position the institution for its next chapter.
“Charles and Joshua bring two very different professional journeys, but they share something that is essential to this work: they know how to build relationships,” said HT President and CEO Dr. Melva K. Wallace. “Fundraising is ultimately about people believing in your mission enough to invest in it. We are serious about broadening that circle of believers and building the kind of philanthropic support that will serve HT not just today, but for generations to come.”
About Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University, the first institution of higher education in Austin, Texas, has roots dating back to 1875. HT is an independent, church-related, historically black, four-year liberal arts institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown in East Austin. Huston-Tillotson University’s mission remains committed to its legacy of educating a mosaic community of learners while cultivating innovative leaders who are dedicated to academic excellence and service. The University offers associate and master’s degrees in addition to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 19 areas of study. Huston-Tillotson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. HT is also an NC-SARA school. For more information, please visit www.htu.edu.
