|
|
             |
Area replaces John Kinzer, who has served as CEO on an interim basis since June 1, 2006. Area will begin his duties at Marshall Monday, July 9. He and his wife, Beth, have two married daughters and one grandson.
“Ron is experienced, professional, a visionary and a people person,” Dr. Joseph B. Touma, chairman of the foundation’s board, said. “His wife, Beth, is enthusiastic and will be a great asset for the community and the foundation as well. They both will become part of our community very quickly.”
Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp said he is pleased to welcome Area to Huntington at a time when Marshall University, like all institutions of higher education, is so dependent on fundraising.
“Ron and Beth are eager to move here and join the Marshall family,” Kopp said. “With his experience and enthusiasm, I believe Ron is the perfect choice for this important position and will do a great job. I look forward to working closely with him to advance philanthropic giving to Marshall.”
Area said he is looking forward to the transition to Huntington and being a part of the Marshall University community.
“I am pleased and honored to be joining Marshall University and its foundation at such a pivotal and exciting time in its history,” Area said. “During my academic career, I visited the campus several times and took notice of Marshall’s steady growth and development. When I became aware of a key leadership vacancy, I eagerly applied and hoped I would have a chance to share my experiences and expertise. After meeting and visiting with many wonderful individuals, my wife and I were convinced that this was the place for us.
“I believe that by partnering closely with President Kopp, the university community and committed volunteers to increase private support, we can chart an exciting course for the University’s future,” Area said of Marshall. “Marshall University is a treasure and is poised for greatness. I am eager to be a part of such a dynamic academic community.”
While he is looking forward to working with Area, Kopp said Kinzer did an exceptional job as interim CEO of Marshall’s foundation.
“John did far more than just fill in while the search for a permanent CEO took place,” Kopp said. “In fact, the foundation flourished under his leadership. John said when he was named interim CEO that one of his objectives was to have the foundation and development offices running smoothly when the new CEO comes in. He certainly achieved that objective and much, much more. We are very appreciative of his efforts.”
Area has degrees from the University of Arkansas, Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y., and Oklahoma State. Before joining the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, he worked in higher education from 1978 through 2004. He started as assistant dean of continuing education at UT-Chattanooga, where he remained for 15 years. During that time he also was dean of continuing education, vice chancellor of development twice and executive vice chancellor.
While at UT-Chattanooga, Area completed the Summer Institute of Educational Management at Harvard University. He also gained experience and had oversight in the areas of credit and non-credit programs, evening college, public radio, legislative relations, marketing, public relations, athletics, alumni affairs and development.
From 1992 to 2004, Area was president and CEO of the Oklahoma State University Foundation. He was responsible for providing leadership, coordination and management for all private fund raising programs for the Oklahoma State University system.
Area and his administrative team designed, implemented and completed Oklahoma State’s first comprehensive campaign, raising in excess of $260 million. He also provided leadership and senior management of two for-profit subsidiaries, two limited liability corporations and the OSU Foundation Holding Company.
|
|
Dr.
Ronald G. Area, development director of the National Cowboy
& Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City the past two
years, has been named chief executive officer of
     |
