Pittsburg State names new VP

Pittsburg State University President Tom Bryant has announced the appointment of Dr. J. Bradford Hodson as the next vice president of University Advancement. Hodson, who currently serves the university as PSU's director of Development, will assume his new duties in September. His appointment followed a national search, which was led by Richard Miller of Miller's Professional Imaging.

"Dr. Hodson possesses the education, skills and experience we need in this very important leadership position," Bryant said. "The university and the PSU Foundation are in the midst of important endeavors and I have great confidence in his ability to lead both successfully at this critical time."

The vice president of University Advancement supervises Alumni Relations; the Business and Technology Institute and the Kansas Polymer Research Center; Career Services; KRPS-FM, the university's public radio station; the Office of University Communications and University Development. The vice president of University Advancement also serves as the executive director of the University Foundation, Inc., which has assets of more than $50 million.

Richard Miller, current chairman of the PSU Foundation board of trustees, said President Bryant had selected the best candidate.

"He fit all of the necessary qualifications to the 'T,'" Miller said. "Plus, having worked with Brad Hodson on the PSU Foundation board of trustees, I can personally say that Pittsburg State has an outstanding person as the next vice president for Advancement. He will do an excellent job."

"It's a great time to serve my alma mater," Hodson said. "Exciting things are happening at Pittsburg State and it is great to be a part of that. I look forward to working with the PSU Foundation Board, with the university and with the wider community. I am confident that the offices in University Advancement, with the help of the PSU Foundation, can help the university achieve its goals and fulfill its mission."

Hodson was named director of University Development in 2003. Previously, he was director of development for the college of business at Eastern Michigan University. Before that, he was at Central Missouri State University, where he began as coordinator of the annual fund, then served as coordinator of corporate and planned giving and finally as assistant director of development. From 1995 until 1997, Hodson was director of annual giving at Baker University.

Hodson received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Missouri Southern State University, a master’s degree in business administration from Pittsburg State University and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Nebraska. He serves on the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau and is a member of the 2006 Leadership Kansas class.

Hodson and his wife, Sue, live in Pittsburg with their children, Hannah, Abby, Kate and Daniel.

---Pitt State---