Cherington Love Shucker serves as Furman University’s Associate Vice President of Philanthropic Strategy, where she sets the vision and direction for Donor Relations & Strategic Engagement and Advancement Services. The team ensures a data-driven and donor-centric approach to philanthropy.

Since joining Furman’s Office of Development in 2020, Cherington has played a pivotal role in advancing the university’s fundraising efforts. She was instrumental in the success of Clearly Furman, the most ambitious comprehensive campaign in the university’s 200-year history, which surpassed its $426 million goal 18 months ahead of schedule. She continues to shape Furman’s philanthropic strategy, strengthening donor engagement and institutional impact.

Before Furman, Cherington was the inaugural Executive Director of the Greenville Center for Creative Arts, where she established a strong foundation for the organization’s growth and community engagement. In recognition of her leadership, she was named one of Greenville’s 50 Most Influential People in 2017 by Greenville Magazine, coincidentally in the same cohort as Furman President Elizabeth Davis. She previously worked with Keeling & Associates, a higher education consulting firm, and Eagle Capital Management, a privately held asset management firm led by Ravenel Curry, in New York City before returning to Greenville.

A recognized leader in nonprofit and public affairs, Cherington was the first-ever Luce Scholar from South Carolina, selected for the prestigious 2003-2004 cohort. Nominated by Carnegie Mellon University President Dr. Jared "Jerry" Cohon, she was one of only 17 scholars chosen nationwide. During the fellowship, she lived in Guangzhou, China, where she taught juniors at Sun Yat-sen University’s School of Government. In 2001-2002, Cherington was also selected as a CORO Fellow in Public Affairs, with her fellowship beginning on September 11, 2001. She worked in the office of Bob O'Connor, Chair of Pittsburgh’s City Council, who later became Mayor of Pittsburgh in 2006.

Cherington holds a Master of Science from Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Arts from Samford University. She lives in Greenville with her husband, a ceramic artist, and their spunky daughter.

Honors and Awards

• Leadership Greenville Class 45
• Greenville’s 50 Most Influential People 2017

Education

• B.A., Samford University, Journalism and Mass Communication
• M.S., Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz College, Public Policy and Management