Colby-Sawyer College Appoints Kathleen Bonavist as Vice President for Advancement
NEW LONDON, N.H. – Colby-Sawyer College has appointed Kathleen Bonavist vice president for Advancement. Bonavist comes to Colby-Sawyer in September from Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, where she was vice president for Institutional Advancement. She succeeds Vice President Elizabeth Cahill, who held the position at Colby-Sawyer for 13 years.
Bonavist will be responsible for the development and implementation of the college’s comprehensive advancement strategic plan and for maintaining the infrastructure that maximizes philanthropic investments in the college’s educational mission. She will also participate in college governance while overseeing staff in development, alumni relations, annual giving and the Adventures in Learning program for area residents.
Bonavist comes to the college during its Power of Infinity campaign, the third and largest comprehensive campaign in Colby-Sawyer’s history. With a goal of $60 million, the campaign was launched in April after a 21-month silent phase. Commitments to date total more than $22 million.
"It is an honor to join such a wonderful organization at such an auspicious time—to be able to share in Colby-Sawyer's traditions and help shape its future through the Power of Infinity campaign, said Bonavist." "On a more personal note, I look forward to becoming part of the Colby-Sawyer community and to taking advantage of the many opportunities to explore and enjoy all that the region has to offer."
Bonavist has more than 10 years of experience in higher education administration and consulting, most recently at Muskingum University where she raised significant funding for capital projects and increased annual giving. Additional leadership roles in higher education include enrollment management positions at Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y.; Paul Smith’s College in Paul Smiths, N.Y.; and The Sage Colleges in Troy and Albany, N.Y. Bonavist also has extensive business experience.
Bonavist earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., and she attended the Harvard Graduate School Institute for Educational Management (IEM) at the Harvard Institutes for Higher Education in Cambridge, Mass.
About Colby-Sawyer College
Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive college that integrates the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. The College's faculty, staff and students strive for excellence in an engaged teaching and learning community that fosters students' academic, intellectual, and personal growth. With a strong emphasis on learning outcomes, including breadth and depth of knowledge, self-growth, creative and critical thinking, and effective communication, Colby-Sawyer prepares students to thrive post-graduation and make a positive impact upon a dynamic, diverse, and interdependent world.
Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer is located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Learn more about the College's vibrant teaching and learning community at www.colby-sawyer.edu.
