In August, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kristi Burns announced her resignation from Whitworth. Burns, who is making a move to more hands-on work in helping people grow in their faith, came to Whitworth in 1997 after serving for a number of years at Washington State University. "This is a big loss for Whitworth," said President Bill Robinson of Burns' departure. "More than anyone, Kristi has built the advancement program we have today." In order to keep the fund-raising arm of the university stable and healthy, Robinson appointed Athletics Director and Professor of Kinesiology Scott McQuilkin, '84, to serve as acting vice president for institutional advancement. "It is imperative that this academic year be one in which we attract significant support for capital projects, particularly the new biology/chemistry building," Robinson says. "Scott's institutional knowledge, intelligence, drive and communication gifts are ideal for leading this effort. He has inspired confidence from our trustees and major donors. He loves and knows Whitworth, its mission and its people. He's the best person to move into this position."
Though McQuilkin's new position includes the word "acting" in the title, Robinson believes that the new V.P. will forge ahead full steam to address Whitworth's bold fund-raising agenda. Robinson says McQuilkin "will function as if the position is permanent; there will be nothing tentative in the way he goes about his work." McQuilkin will have the option to return to his athletics role at the end of the two-year term and will make that decision in consultation with Whitworth's new president.
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