Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins
Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, who has raised millions of dollars for student scholarships
and facility improvements, will now support Ferris State University as its new vice
president for University Advancement and Marketing.
As Grand Rapids Community College’s vice president for College Advancement and executive
director of the GRCC Foundation, Mullins has worked with community partners and donors
to double the amount of money available for scholarships and generated resources to
transform and modernize facilities throughout the campus.
Ferris President Bill Pink, the former president at GRCC, announced Mullins’ hire
on Monday, Nov. 28, in messages to the UAM staff and the broader Ferris community.
“I am thrilled to have Dr. Mullins join our leadership team and the Ferris family,”
Pink said. “The level of experience and expertise that she will bring to Ferris is
hard to find, particularly in how rooted that experience is in the West Michigan community.
Kathy was a vital part of my leadership team at Grand Rapids Community College, and
I am honored to have her join me on our leadership team here at Ferris State University.”
Mullins, an alumna of Ferris’ Doctorate in Community College Leadership program, also
oversees GRCC’s Grants and Development team, which shattered the college record for
grant funding to support students and programs. She also directed GRCC’s award-winning
Communications and Web and Digital Strategy teams.
Mullins is excited about this opportunity at Ferris.
“Ferris State University has a long and proud history and has impacted Michigan and
beyond. Our challenge will be to help more students take advantage of the fantastic
opportunities this university offers,” said Mullins, who also emphasized a desire
to help students receive a life-changing quality education. “I look forward to sharing
the Ferris story so people know how they can support and grow the inspiring work that
happens here.”
Mullins has headed the GRCC Foundation since 2012. Last year, it distributed more
than $1.4 million in scholarships to more than 1,600 students. The foundation also
raised funds to build GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus, and renovate the historical Raleigh
J. Finkelstein Hall and Custer Alumni House. A series of renovations and a new addition
have transformed the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, a building that also
houses Ferris programs.
Mullins joins Ferris on the heels of the university passing its $115 million goal
for the Now and Always Comprehensive Campaign. Led by The Ferris Foundation, the campaign
continued through the end of the 2022 fiscal year, focusing on endowed student scholarships,
program innovation and expansion, and partnerships. In addition to fundraising, the
University Advancement and Marketing staff of more than 30 members includes Alumni
Relations and the Alumni Association, Marketing Communications, News Services and
Web Content. The division’s mission is to serve as a partner and resource for enhancing
Ferris’ communications, engagement, marketing, philanthropy and reputation.
Before earning her DCCL degree from Ferris, Mullins received associate and bachelor’s
degrees in business and a Master of Business Administration in Leadership Studies
from Baker College.
Mullins, who will assume her new post in early 2023, replaces Shelly Pearcy, who retired
as vice president for University Advancement and Marketing at the end of 2022.