Athens State University Partners with Givzey, Introduces Virtual Engagement Officer

Athens State University is collaborating with the autonomous fundraising platform Givzey | Version2.ai to launch a virtual engagement officer (VEO). This tool will help the University engage its stakeholders more widely in our efforts to provide support for the University’s mission. As the first institution to launch a VEO in Alabama, Athens State is partnering with over 100 other nonprofits and educational institutions to explore this concept.

Athens State’s VEO, Anna Claire, is powered by artificial intelligence. This technology is the first of its kind and is being developed to help the University accelerate its efforts to support its students, faculty and community. By engaging with Anna Claire, we’re not only endorsing Athens State’s pioneering leadership in AI for social good, but also supporting an innovation that will empower nonprofits worldwide to achieve their world-changing missions.

What Is a VEO?
A Virtual Engagement Officer (VEO) is an AI-driven autonomous fundraising tool built to expand and personalize donor engagement at scale. Working in partnership with Athens State’s Advancement Office, VEOs help strengthen relationships, improve donor retention, and boost overall giving—ensuring every donor receives timely messaging. The VEO analyzes, learns, and acts strategically to manage donor portfolios and advance engagement. Unlike traditional digital outreach that depends on broad email blasts, the VEO uses AI-guided moves management to cultivate donors through personalized, thoughtful interactions delivered across multiple communication channels.
 
What the VEO Does:

• Shares approved information using Athens State’s web pages and content
• Personalizes messages based on donor data Athens State provides
• Operates within strict safeguards and approval controls

 
What the VEO Does Not Do:

• Strategize independently
• Make decisions
• Replace human stewardship
• Access outside data or systems

 
How Is Data Handled?
Version2 stores all donor data on encrypted, access-controlled servers. No donor information is used to train external AI models, and no third parties receive unfettered access. All interactions can be reviewed by internal staff.

"As a relatively small public university with a 200 year history, the sheer number of alumni and friends in our database far exceeds our ability to engage at a meaningful level. The Givzey | Version2 Virtual Engagement Officer (VEO) provides a unique opportunity to utilize artificial intelligence to support our gift officers and expand donor engagement beyond our current capabilities,” said Dr. Keith Ferguson, Vice President for University Advancement. “As the first higher education institution in Alabama to join the Version2 effort, we are excited to see how this technology impacts our donor related outcomes."

Autonomous Fundraising enables deeper conversations that help determine when a donor should be referred to a gift officer for more personalized, one-to-one engagement. Nationwide, only one to five percent of donors at U.S. nonprofits are personally managed by gift officers, yet roughly 20 percent of donors generate about 80 percent of an organization’s fundraising revenue. By supplementing the team with reliable digital support, the VEO can focus on donors who have given in the past but, for various reasons, may not currently be active—and who may welcome renewed engagement with Athens State.

About Version2
Version2 is the first AI research and design lab specifically focused on advancing fundraising in the nonprofit sector. Through its suite of autonomous fundraising solutions, including the Virtual Engagement Officer (VEO) and Virtual Stewardship Officer (VSO), Version2 helps nonprofits break through the digital divide with AI that guides donors through personalized engagement, gift discovery, solicitation, and stewardship processes. Learn more at Version2.ai.
 
About Givzey
Givzey is a leading Intelligent Gift Documentation Management Platform for nonprofits, enhancing fundraising efficiency, donor experience, and financial audits. Its AI-powered lab, Version2, offers the first fully autonomous fundraiser, revolutionizing donor engagement and fundraising with personalized AI. Discover more at Givzey.com and Version2.ai.

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Athens State University – Founded in 1822, Athens State is Alabama’s oldest educational institution of higher learning. As one of only a few “upper division” universities in the entire country, Athens State is a destination for transfer students and students with more than 36 hours of credit who may have paused their education and are seeking to finish their degree. Offering over 50 undergraduate degree programs and options in addition to graduate programs, Athens State focuses on providing affordable, flexible, and high-quality options for all learners. At Athens State, we understand it isn't how you began your education that matters. It’s how you finish. And a strong finish is only the beginning.