ELISHA SOCH
Staff Writer
The university has appointed Keith Hinkle, formerly Pepperdine’s associate vice chancellor for Estate and Gift Planning, to fill a position left vacant for the last two years. Hinkle will be the university’s new vice president for Advancement and Public Affairs
The position was created in 2001, but left vacant by Brad Cheeves in 2004.
“This is not something I was seeking,” Hinkle said. “President Benton asked me to do it and, after much thought and prayer, I accepted.”
As Vice President for Advancement and Public Affairs, Keith Hinkle will be responsible for alumni affairs, donor services, public relations and news, leadership gifts, annual funding, university communications and other issues.
“Conceptually I feel like my job is to lead the team so that our resources follow up our reputation,” said Hinkle. “I want our fundraising efforts to raise the resources necessary to support faculty and students.”
When asked how he means to do this, Hinkle said he would work with faculty and deans to create a fundraising strategy.
Hinkle particularly stresses the value of Alumni giving, stating that alumni really make the difference between a good university and a great one.”
Hinkle practiced law for 3 years in Southern California after graduating from Pepperdine’s Law School in 1997. In October 2000, Hinkle held a position as Pepperdine’s associate vice chancellor for Estate and Gift Planning, a position which he held until university president Andrew Benton asked him to accept his new position.
Benton said he viewed Hinkle’s experience as a positive factor in hiring him, despite Hinkle’s lack of experience at other universities.
“As I compared what those at other institutions had to offer, I realized that Keith Hinkle’s own experience and training was in many, many ways even better.” Benton said. “I think Mr. Hinkle knows Pepperdine and its major donors very well.”
Benton said that in addition to Hinkle’s knowledge of Pepperdine donors, he has worked extensively on the university’s next fundraising campaign.
Claudia Arnold, vice chancellor of donor relations and strategic initiatives, said she has worked with Hinkle for the last five years, and believes he deserves the promotion.
“He’s a young leader,” Arnold said. “Sometimes people think that you need gray hair to lead and help, but as soon as they spend time with him they realize he is fully capable.”
Jerry Derloshon, director of Public Relations and News, who will be working with Hinkle, said Hinkle will have multiple jobs to balance in his position.
Derloshon said these dual jobs would consist of “friend building” for the university and maintaining the image of the university in print, online,and university communications.
“When President Benton announced that Keith Hinkle would be vice president for advancement and public affairs, a cheer went up,” Derloshon said.
Derloshon said many of Hinkle’s colleagues know his wife and children as well, and were excited about his promotion. Arnold also commented on Hinkle’s strong family life, in addition to his ability as a leader.
“His other secret weapon is his wife,” Arnold said. “She’s a delight.”
Hinkle, along with his wife, Elizabeth and their children, are planning to move from their home in Thousand Oaks to Drescher Graduate Campus.
08-28-2006