Idaho nonprofit and civic leader named C of I development director
2011. 05. 23.
A former state legislator and nonprofit leader with a track record of successful coalition- building and fundraising has been named director of development at The College of Idaho, adding his leadership to the school's ongoing $175 million Advance The Legacy campaign.
James D. Hansen, who founded United Vision for Idaho in 1995 and served as executive director for 13 years, will begin directing the College's development efforts immediately.
Michael Vandervelden, vice president for college relations, said Hansen's expertise in building donor support and winning grants, combined with his commitment to the College's dedication to preparing students to thrive, will boost its advancement efforts.
“Jim brings a tremendous passion for the close-knit community we enjoy at The College of Idaho, where our students develop the knowledge and wisdom this world needs,” Vandervelden said. “His experience will help us reach our campaign goals and sustain the C of I's legacy of great teaching that prepares successful graduates.”
Hansen most recently served as executive director of the Idaho Democratic Party and previously served for six years in the Idaho State Legislature. In creating United Vision for Idaho, he built a statewide coalition of nonprofit organizations with a combined membership of more than 100,000. In 2005, Hansen received the Leadership for a Changing World award from the Ford Foundation.
"I am thrilled to be joining a team of extraordinary people working to support the vision and mission of one of the finest small liberal arts colleges in the nation,” Hansen said. “I have long admired the exceptional talent of the students and faculty at The College of Idaho and am eager to help more people learn about and support the College."
Hansen earned his bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary and his law degree from the University of Idaho. He is an active civic leader who has served as president and treasurer of the Rotary Club of Boise-Sunrise, as president and a board member of Opening Doors, and on boards of directors of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival and Idaho Mediation Association.
Founded in 1891, The College of Idaho is the state's oldest private liberal arts college. It has a century-old tradition of educating some of the most accomplished graduates in Idaho, including six Rhodes Scholars, three Marshall Scholars, and another ten Truman and Goldwater Scholars. The College is located on a beautiful campus in Caldwell, Idaho. Its distinctive PEAK curriculum challenges students to attain competencies in the four knowledge peaks of the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and a professional field, enabling them to graduate with an academic major and three minors in four years. For more information on The College of Idaho, visit www.collegeofidaho.edu.