New VP for Development joins leadership
Geneva College welcomes Kevin J. Jean as its new vice president for development.
Jean most recently served as a minister in Grand Haven, Mich., and brings with him 12 years of experience in executive-level management and fund development. Jean's background has prepared him well for this position, and Geneva's administrators are eager to have him on board.
"Development is a crucial part of this institution, and it's one of our key priorities for the coming year," says President Kenneth A. Smith. "Kevin's background, expertise and enthusiasm and faith will make him a great addition to our community
."
Prior to going into full-time ministry, Jean served for seven years—first as a state director and then regional director—at Prison Fellowship, the international ministry founded by former White House counsel Charles W. Colson. Jean also worked as a financial consultant for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and assistant director of recruiting for Southwestern College. In these roles, Jean oversaw strategic planning and marketing, including fundraising events, as well as regional and national budgets.
Jean graduated from Southwestern College in 1992 with a degree in theology. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Phillips Theological Seminary and Master of Theology degree from Western Theological Seminary.
Jean and his brother were the first members of his family to graduate from college, giving Jean firsthand knowledge about the importance of higher education. Jean said he has "profound respect for the larger picture of God's blessings through the educational process."
"It has made me a more compassionate Christian with a broader basis of understanding and acceptance of persons in all walks of life," Jean says. "I am a firm believer that higher education is the great leveler of all humankind."
Viewing higher education—with all of its disciplines and fields of study—as a gift of God intended to bring redemption to society, community and culture, Jean looks forward to serving a college with a distinctly Christian worldview.
"In all fund-raising efforts," Jean says, "I have stories to share about current, and future, students who are studying to be educated leaders inside their professional calling and solidifying their God-given calling by integrating their Christian worldview, their passion for God and their compassion for humankind."
Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).
