Colleen Garland, the chief advancement officer at Ohio Wesleyan University, joins Kenyon College as vice president for advancement on July 1, 2018.
As vice president, Garland will steer the strategic direction of Kenyon’s development, alumni and parent engagement, and advancement services operations, and she will work closely with the president, fellow Senior Staff and the Board of Trustees to advance the College’s highest priorities. She will play an integral role in launching the public phase of the College’s most ambitious campaign to date, leading Kenyon’s team of advancement professionals and partnering with stakeholders across campus.
“Colleen Garland brings to her work a seriousness of purpose that is a match for Kenyon in this moment,” President Sean Decatur said. “It is rooted in a passion for the liberal arts and a deep understanding of the transformative power of philanthropy. I am thrilled to have her as partner and fellow champion for the College.”
With nearly 30 years of fundraising experience in higher education and other mission-driven institutions, Garland has a track record for leading development teams to new levels of excellence. She was the chief architect of Ohio Wesleyan’s $200 million campaign; she reimagined the University’s career services, anchoring them in a revitalized alumni network and forward-thinking mentoring program.
“I have long admired Kenyon College,” Garland said. “You take its academic reputation, rich traditions and breathtakingly beautiful setting and add the opportunity to work with President Decatur, a deeply devoted board of trustees and a talented staff — who wouldn’t want to be at Kenyon? I am thrilled to join the team and to build on the historic strength of this great college.”
Garland was recommended by a committee led by former board chair and Emeritus Trustee Barry Schwartz ’70 H’15 that included trustees, alumni, faculty and staff. The executive search firm Isaacson, Miller helped conduct the national search.
“The committee recognized in Colleen a proven and inspiring leader; focused, insightful and engaging,” Schwartz said. “She has demonstrated an enthusiasm for the College and its mission, and appreciates the importance of building an endowment scaled to its ambitions.”
Prior to joining Ohio Wesleyan, Garland held positions of increasing responsibility in the advancement offices at The Ohio State University, Denison University, Otterbein College and the March of Dimes Foundation. She earned a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.