On Dec. 13 2022, Winthrop University released a press statement announcing that Kevin Hughes had been selected to fulfill the role of Vice President of University Advancement.
Hughes officially joined the university on Jan. 17, 2023 when he replaced interim vice president Jack DeRochi.
The university advancement office plays an important role in many aspects including the alumni association, the Winthrop Fund and the fountain restoration project, among others.
Hughes received his bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and is a first-generation college graduate.
Previously, Hughes was the associate vice president of advancement at the New College Foundation at The Honors College of Florida. He has served in this role since 2019.
Before Hughes served in the education sector, he previously worked in politics before transitioning to the nonprofit sector approximately 16 years ago.
Before he worked at the New College Foundation, Hughes also worked at both Denison University and Stetson University College of Law
President Edward Serna said “We found in Kevin the right mix of proven fundraising expertise, intimate knowledge of the advancement enterprise, and familiarity with garnering support for a medium-sized public institution where affordability and access are drivers of enrollment.”
Hughes said that he was “thrilled to be joining the Winthrop community in the role of vice president for university advancement. During the interview process, I was struck by the depth of passion that everyone I met has for Winthrop. Clearly, Winthrop is a special place.”
