New Vice-President

Shane Jacobson joins the College’s staff on June 2 as the new vice-president for development and alumni relations.

Jacobson comes to Grinnell from the University of Vermont Foundation, where he currently serves as vice president for development and campaign manager. Since his arrival at UVM, the 223-year-old institution has seen considerable growth in fundraising activity, setting an all-time record for total new gift commitments and receipts. Jacobson supervises a staff of 17, works with major and principal donors to the university and is the senior staff liaison to the board’s Governance Committee.

“Shane comes to Grinnell with strong, relevant experience in development and alumni leadership,” says President Raynard S. Kington. “He has demonstrated success in shaping a culture of philanthropy and in building a successful and motivated group of staff members. He also is a successful fundraiser. We are glad that he’s chosen to return to Iowa.”

A native of Webster City, Iowa, Jacobson earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s in educational leadership and policy studies, both from Iowa State University. He also has completed the Harvard Graduate School of Education Management Development Program.

Jacobson worked in Iowa State’s admissions office before joining the university’s alumni relations staff, where he managed the national alumni clubs program and held positions of increasing responsibility, leading ultimately to his appointment as senior director of development.

Clint Korver ’89, chair of Grinnell’s Board of Trustees, notes, “We entrust to Shane a substantial element of our financial wellbeing. Grinnell provides a first-class education to the very best students without regard to their ability to pay. Only a small group of elite colleges share this enviable position — one made possible only by the generous support of our alumni and other stakeholders. Shane brings impressive skills and experience to this crucial role, as demonstrated by his successes at the University of Vermont. We look forward to similar successes at Grinnell.”

Jacobson says he is excited to join the development and alumni relations team at Grinnell.

“Alumni engagement and private philanthropy are essential components to enhancing the experience of students and faculty,” Jacobson says. “I look forward to collaborating with President Kington and the Grinnell community to further showcase the excellence of this remarkable college.”