Michael Schneider named as new president of McPherson College.

Michael Schneider has been chosen by the McPherson (Kan.) College Board of Trustees as the 14th president of the college. He currently is vice president of Advancement and Admissions for McPherson.

Craig Little, chair of the board of McPherson College, expressed appreciation to the search committee, consultant Tom Scheye, the campus community, alumni, and members of the Church of the Brethren for their efforts on behalf of the selection process. "Nearly 50 applications were sorted down to four finalists and making the final decision was not an easy one. I have great belief in the collective wisdom of the trustees and the search committee and think we made a great choice."

Schneider holds a master of business administration from the University of Denver and a bachelor of science in communication from McPherson. He has worked for the college for the past seven years, starting as director of career services, then vice president of advancement, and adding the vice president of admissions role in 2007. In his current role, he is responsible for student enrollment, fundraising and annual giving, alumni relations, marketing, and career services. Through his leadership, the 2008 incoming class exceeded 500--the highest number in 30 years. In addition, the "myMC" campaign, which was completed in July 2008, raised $9 million--more than a million dollars over the original goal. The total number of donors to the college has increased by 20 percent during Schneider’s time with McPherson.

Schneider also serves as board member and general partner in two outside companies: KESK, Inc., a small company that invests in start-up businesses in the energy sector; and Sunflower Wind, LLC., a privately-held wind turbine manufacturing company. He is an active member of the McPherson Community Education Foundation Board of Directors and is heavily involved in leadership committees at First United Methodist Church of McPherson.

-- Jana Wingert is director of Marketing and Communications at McPherson College.

Source: 2/26/2009 Newsline Extra