New positions for Jennifer Bettis, Sarah Tapscott

Jennifer Bettis started a new job as director of development for University of Illinois Springfield on June 1, after spending 17 years as director of advancement for Sacred-Heart Griffin High School.

“The people at SHG are wonderful, I can’t say enough about my time there,” said Bettis. However, accepting the position at UIS gave her the opportunity to come full circle, as she noted that UIS was what originally brought her in Springfield in 1999.

“Their Graduate Public Service Internship was a two-year program at the time where you could get your master’s degree at UIS and then intern for a state agency,” she said. “It’s a wonderful program for any student wanting to get a master’s degree and practical experience.”

After graduating from Quincy University, she enrolled in the GPSI program at UIS and said, “I’ve been very grateful for that start to my career.”

After notifying SHG that she would be leaving, Bettis suggested Sarah Tapscott as her potential replacement. “I had her on my mind as someone who would be great for this role; she has a passion for Catholic education and the experience.” As it turns out, Tapscott was interested in the position, and was also able to start her new role on June 1.

“Jen and I have known each other for a very long time through my various fundraising positions,” said Tapscott, who previously worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Illinois Capital Region and American Lung Association. Most recently, she was director of statewide partnerships for Forefront, a statewide association representing nonprofits and grant makers.

Tapscott attended Routt Catholic High School in Jacksonville, where she grew up, but has lived in Springfield for the past 10 years. Her children currently attend St. Agnes Elementary School, where she serves on the board and has chaired the annual gala.

“I really believe in Catholic education and involvement in our schools, and I’ve been able to bring that experience to SHG,” said Tapscott.

While she’s not an SHG alumna herself, Tapscott said she has enjoyed learning more about the school. “It has such a rich history; it’s an honor to work with a team of staff and teachers who have such pride in SHG,” she said.

Got something to say?

Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!

Comments (0)
Add a Comment