Growing, moving forward: Bell and Sanderlin embrace their Erskine roles

Erskine College is pleased to welcome Jim Sanderlin, an experienced leader in nonprofit management and development, as Vice President of Advancement. Paul Bell ’84, who has led the advancement office since 2019, is turning his attention to Erskine admissions as the newly appointed Vice President of Enrollment.

Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson, who announced the transition to faculty and staff on February 5, says Bell’s “business acumen and administrative expertise will be vital” in admissions “as we seek to increase enrollment and enhance the student experience.”

The president says Sanderlin brings to his position “extensive institutional and fundraising experience” and “a heart for our mission that will strengthen our ability to expand our reach.”

Most recently, Sanderlin served as Senior Assistant to the President for Donor Relations at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., focusing on the Southeast region. Wendy Damron, president and CEO of Palmetto Promise Institute, a South Carolina public policy organization, worked closely with Sanderlin during his time at The Heritage Foundation and speaks highly of his work.

“I have seen firsthand his professionalism, sound judgment, and exceptional ability to connect with people and expand the institution’s footprint,” she says. “Jim brings a rare combination of strong leadership, clear communication, and deep conviction that makes him well suited for this role.”

Sanderlin says he feels honored to work for Erskine. “It is evident that this is a special community devoted to Christ and the gospel. Generations of students have been prepared for life here in Due West, and this environment is as needed as ever.”

The new vice president, who resides in Columbia and attends First Presbyterian Church, will work in a hybrid capacity in Due West, Columbia, and across the Southeast and the country, engaging with alumni and friends and expanding Erskine’s reach.

“I firmly believe that there are many people in the Southeastern United States, and elsewhere, who will come to appreciate and invest in Erskine,” Sanderlin says. “The first step is simply to introduce it to them. In an increasingly digital and disconnected society, people long for a like-minded, warm, welcoming community. I cannot wait to invite them!”

Similarly, Bell is eager to bring students into the Erskine community in his new role as Vice President of Enrollment.

“The Lord has intriguing ways of moving us from pasture to pasture!” he says. “My first job after graduating from Erskine was in the Erskine Admissions Office as an admissions counselor, then as the director of admissions.”

Bell left Erskine to pursue graduate studies, but was “delighted when the opportunity arose” a few decades later to serve his alma mater in advancement and alumni relations. Then, in March 2025, Bell began leading the admissions team in an interim capacity while continuing his role in the advancement office.

“As time went on, Dr. Adamson graciously allowed me to choose which department I would serve full time,” Bell explains. “I sensed the Lord was nudging me back to the pasture where I started: admissions.”

Reflecting on his work in advancement, Bell says that “it has been a joy to witness positive changes occurring on every front and to interact daily with alumni and friends.” As he passes the advancement torch, Bell is eager to see all that Sanderlin will accomplish for Erskine.

“Jim is uniquely qualified to take Erskine’s advancement program on to new levels, and he is eager to engage with the Erskine family,” he says. “Watch for good things to happen under Jim’s leadership!”

As he begins his time at Erskine, Sanderlin is grateful for Bell’s guidance and for the expertise of those in the Advancement Office.

“The team is phenomenal, and we are excited to continue building relationships with Erskine’s alumni and donors, and to introduce Erskine to new audiences,” he says.

Dr. Adamson looks with anticipation to all that Sanderlin and Bell will accomplish. “I am confident that both Jim and Paul will provide exceptional leadership in their respective roles and help position Erskine for continued growth,” he says.

In addition to his work in advancement, Sanderlin serves First Presbyterian Church of Columbia as a musician. He holds a master’s degree in music from Bob Jones University in Greenville. He and his wife Jillian live in the Columbia area with their two teenage sons.