SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – A new promotion announced at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College declared Catherine Mickey Saunders as the vice president for advancement at the college.
According to a release from SMWC, Saunders’ new role will go into effect on January 1, 2024. Having served as the associate vice president for advancement for over five years after serving as executive campaign director, which brought her return to the College in 2016, Saunders is familiar with the expectations of the position.
“In recent years there has been a true renaissance at The Woods. The energy is palpable, and it is thrilling to be a part of it. As the programs and student population continues to grow, I know the work our team is doing is important and we are contributing to something special that is happening out here at SMWC,” Saunders said. “It is a blessing to connect our alumni to today’s Woods through our efforts.”
Saunders graduated from SMWC in 1998 and has extensive leadership experience in higher education. She has dedicated over twenty-five years to higher education and non-profit leadership projects and programs. Returning to her alma mater 7 years ago after serving as executive vice president of the Indiana State University Foundation for 9 years, Saunders has built a team focused on alumni and donor engagement initiatives with the goal of building a philanthropic culture in support of the Aspire Even Higher Strategic Plan and its projects.
“I am delighted that Catherine will assume this leadership role within the College. Her dedication and commitment to The Woods is unmatched and we are fortunate to have someone like Catherine to step into this important role,” said Brennan Randolph interim president.
“With so much change and uncertainty on the horizon for higher education,” said Saunders, “it is a privilege to be trusted by interim president Randolph, his Cabinet, and the Trustees to help guide SMWC through these challenging times.”
As Karen Dyer is stepping down as executive vice president for advancement and strategic initiatives, a role she held since 2012, to take on a newly created role, director of strategic initiatives, at the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Saunders will take over the role.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of The Woods’ growth over the past decade,” said Dyer. “I will take many lessons with me from the College as I begin my new role helping the Terre Haute and Wabash Valley community continue to grow.”
