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Bruce Lawrence joins Columbia College as the Interim Vice President of Development overseeing the Advancement Office. Primarily, Bruce will lead the fundraising and alumni relations teams working to secure philanthropic support, sponsorship, and partnerships.  A SC native, Bruce brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, business development, and international institutional advancement. 

Patrick brings experience in advancement strategy, donor engagement, and nonprofit operations to his role at Columbia College. Coming from Columbia Museum of Art, he brings a collaborative and people-centered approach to his work and is passionate about helping mission-driven organizations thrive. Outside the office, you’ll likely find him riding bikes with friends, working on his cars, spending time outdoors, or hanging out with his two beagle sisters, Frank and Kevin.

Courtney Sidwell serves as the Executive Administrative Assistant for Advancement at Columbia College, where she supports initiatives that strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the College. In her role, she provides administrative support for advancement efforts that foster engagement, philanthropy, and meaningful connections across the Columbia College community.

A proud Columbia College alumna, Courtney earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Leadership Studies in 2014 and is a graduate of the Columbia College Honors Program. Following graduation, she began her professional career at Columbia College as the Administrative Assistant for the Division of Arts and Communication Studies. She later gained extensive leadership and operational experience in the private sector before returning to education as a high school registrar.

Returning to Columbia College, Courtney is honored to serve the institution that helped shape her personal and professional journey. She is passionate about fostering meaningful connections within the Columbia College community and strengthening relationships that support the College's mission and continued growth. A longtime South Carolina resident, Courtney lives with her husband, son, and two cats and enjoys reading and traveling with her family, from the beaches of Isle of Palms to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Ned Timmerman serves as Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship at Columbia College, where he focuses on strengthening donor relationships, growing annual support, and building meaningful connections between the College and its alumnae and friends. His work centers on creating a culture of engagement and generosity that advances the mission and future of the institution.

Ned brings more than two decades of business development and marketing experience. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation for connecting people, identifying opportunities, and driving growth. He is fueled by a passion for mission-driven work and a desire to make a lasting impact through philanthropy and community engagement.

Outside of his professional role, Ned is a passionate advocate for individuals and families affected by rare diseases. He is also committed to advancing equity and access in education so that all students may thrive. Ned and his wife, Jaime, are raising three children, and he enjoys running, teaching spin classes, and sharing music as a way to connect and inspire others.