New College names VP of Advancement

New College of Florida, a liberal arts honors college, has seen a fair amount of transition lately. After welcoming the new president Donal O’Shea earlier this year, the institution named Shannon Duvall as the new vice president of advancement and the executive director of the New College Foundation.
Duvall grew up in Winter Park and was accepted into New College out of high school. Although she pursued her education at Michigan State, New College left a favorable impression on Duvall.
Duvall is currently the associate vice president for development at Albion College, a nationally recognized, independent liberal arts college in south-central Michigan, where she has been responsible for prospect management and research, and staff development and training. She was also  responsible for alumni engagement and annual giving for 16 months.
At New College, Duvall will be responsible for all aspects of the College’s fund-raising program, including major and planned giving and the annual fund.
After a national search that started in December, Donal O’Shea, president of New College, and the search committee unanimously chose Duvall for her experience in securing large gifts, developing and managing giving programs and generating a strong return on investment in fund raising.
“The committee members were especially attracted by her professionalism, her impressive track record, her knowledge of all aspects of educational advancement, and her personal warmth,” O’Shea said.
Duvall said that she was more eager to start after meeting  O’Shea, the trustees, and the directors of the foundation.
“I was impressed by O’Shea’s wonderful leadership. The opportunity to be close to family again is a bonus,” Duvall said. “This is a win-win, and I think we will make a great team.”
A major part of Duvall’s position is the New College Promise, a $60 million campaign to provide necessary resources to advance the college. Since its launch in 2010, it has raised $23 million. Money is acquired through major gift giving, planned gifts and event proceeds. The money will be used for increased scholarships, endowment, student and faculty travel research grants, a new building for international studies and items for the library.
Duvall’s says her experience in development at Albion College has prepared her for the advancement position at New College.
“My time at Albion allowed me to stretch my managerial muscles,” Duvall said.
Duvall added that her time at Albion confirmed that her work brings her joy.
The vice president of advancement is a new position at New College that has absorbed the existing position of executive director.
She is replacing Clint Monts de Oca, who is retiring after serving on an interim basis after Andre Walker resigned due to family health issues.
Duvall’s vision for her position at New College is to be able to support O’Shea’s visions and provide necessary resources to keep education affordable.
Her plan is to engage alumni, parents and friends and talk about the importance of investing in college and in the futures of students, faculty and staff.
Duvall believes it is important to lead by example, and she has already given to the New College annual fund.
Duvall equated the task of fund raising to puzzle pieces.
“In one hand we have the needs of the college, and in the other we have alumni and other donors working to figure out what pieces they have to contribute,” Duvall said. “We will help those with philanthropic interests figure out how their interests fit with the needs of the college.”