David Hutchison has been announced as the new vice president for advancement at Lyon College. He will start Jan. 19, 2019.
In his new role, Hutchison will be responsible for increasing advancement efforts, assessing the need for program and organizational adjustments, and implementing projects of improvement. He will partner with Lyon College President Joek King to help institute its goals of the college’s four-year strategic plan.
“We are delighted to have David joining the leadership team,” said King. “We had a strong pool of advancement professionals, but David impressed us with his variety of experience, energy, and dedication to our liberal arts mission.”
Hutchison will arrive at Lyon with several years of fundraising and advancement experience. As the executive director of advancement and alumni programs at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo., he successfully executed a $20 million capital campaign, added $4 million to the university’s endowment, oversaw the major gifts program, and managed several alumni engagement initiatives.
Hutchison also served on the executive board for the Fayette Main Street Association, where he fundraised for economic and community development projects.
“I am extremely excited to be joining Lyon College at a time of great transformation,” said Hutchison. “I look forward to working with President King, as well as the board, faculty, and staff, and most importantly with alumni and friends of Lyon College to move forward with the college’s strategic vision.”
David Hutchison, Lyon College’s new vice president for advancement / Image via Lyon College
Before his time in advancement, Hutchison was a pastor for the Central Methodist University campus. Besides leading a congregation, he oversaw collaborative programs between the church and the campus community. His time in church leadership prepared him for his roles in engagement.
“I learned that leading people to support a mission begins with developing committed, authentic relationships,” said Hutchison. “The work of college advancement is no different, and I am eager to begin developing relationships, connecting the passions of our community and alumni and friends with the mission and vision of Lyon College.”
Hutchison expects to receive his Doctor of Education in higher education leadership and policy from the Peabody College of Education at Vanderbilt University this May. He also has a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology and a Bachelor of Arts in history and religion from Central Methodist University.
“As a product of a liberal arts education at a small, private Christian college myself, I know well and am deeply invested in the kind of personalized, life-changing education that Lyon College provides,” said Hutchison. “What a gift to be a part of helping make that happen at what is both the most exciting and most important time in young people’s lives.”
