McPherson College announces Erik Vogel will lead the Office of Advancement as its new vice president. Vogel brings with him a great deal of higher education fundraising experience and a strong connection to McPherson College that will make a swift transition into his new role, according to President Michael Schneider.
“The McPherson College Building Community Campaign will shape the future of the college, and I am pleased that Erik will lead our team in that effort,” President Schneider said. “His experience and his knowledge of the college are assets that will complement the work we are doing.”
McPherson College recently launched the comprehensive fundraising campaign, Building Community, with an announcement at Homecoming that the college has raised $10.5 million. Starting the campaign with more than 50 percent of the goal raised is unprecedented in the college’s campaign history. The centerpiece of the $20 million campaign is a proposed new student center.
Vogel earned a degree in accounting and business management from McPherson College in 1998 and for the past six years has served as director of annual giving at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) in Marshall, Minnesota. While at SMSU, Vogel exceeded annual fundraising goals, achieved the highest alumni giving percentage among Minnesota state system universities, and launched a successful employee giving program.
“McPherson College is a very special place to me. I am excited and honored to begin this next chapter of my life with McPherson College,” Vogel said. “We have visionary leadership and an excellent advancement team in place at McPherson College. In partnership with dedicated alumni, employees, community members, and other supporters, we can create even greater opportunities for McPherson College students.”
Along with other sales and accounting experience, Vogel also served as director of development at McPherson College from 2003 to 2007. During his time at McPherson College, annual giving income grew from $350,000 to nearly $1 million in three years.
He will begin his new role at the college on November 11.