President Brian Casey announced in a press release today that Melanie J. Norton will take on the role of Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement beginning June 1.
Norton fills the void left by former Vice President for Advancement Marcia Sloan Latta, who left the position last December. Latta served less than two years, leaving the university in the midst of a vast capital campaign-funding project.
After Latta's departure, Jason Petrovich '93 was named interim VP for Advancement. In early November, Petrovich announced his planned resignation at the end of the calendar year. In 2013, Casey has taken on the advancement responsibilities.
Norton, works as a consultant with Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates, a philanthropic consulting firm in Greenwood, Ind. She has experience serving as director of Gift Planning at DePauw and as director of Gift Planning as well as assistant director of admissions at Franklin College.
"From her work on development campaigns to developing careful fundraising strategies, the depth of Melanie's experience is unquestioned," Casey said in a press release. "She also has a clear and deep understanding of DePauw, which is particularly important as we continue to seek support for our ambitious vision for the University."
Norton expressed excitement about returning to DePauw and about beginning her new position in the midst of a capital campaign.
"It is an incredible time to be on campus," Norton said in a press release.
Casey also announced the addition of a new position, associate vice president for alumni engagement, for which Steven J. Setchell '96 was appointed.
Setchell has served as director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Major Gifts officer, director of the annual fund and admission officer at DePauw and he chaired the University's 175th Anniversary Celebration.
Setchell will work below Norton in Casey's plan of improving alumni relations and outreach efforts.
"DePauw changed my life, just as it has done for generation of alumni," Setchell said in a press release. "I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to give back to the University, at this moment and under the leadership of President Casey."