Ottawa University is pleased to announce the hiring of Paul Bean as Vice President of University Advancement.

Bean comes to Ottawa University from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, where he has served for the past nine years as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Under Bean's direction, Southwestern completed a four-year, $26 million capital campaign, which was the largest in school history. Bean's arrival at Ottawa University marks a return for him as he served as director of development from 1995 to 1999. Prior to his first stint at OU, Bean worked for nine years at Bank IV in Ottawa, Kansas.

"I had a great experience at Ottawa University and in Ottawa and it is the reason I am back," said Bean. "Development is what I have come to love and when you can do what you love, you have got a great career."

Some of the goals Bean has laid out include broadening the donor base, bringing more participants in to the life of the University and starting campaigns and initiatives. "The core purpose of everything we do starts and ends with the student," said Bean. "That's what drives me."

Bean is a 1985 graduate of Southwestern College, where he earned a BA in International Business. He later earned an MBA from Baker University.

"I am delighted that Paul Bean has accepted our offer to become Vice President for University Advancement," said OU President Kevin Eichner. "He has amassed a very strong record at Southwestern, completing a successful capital campaign, organizing and leading an advancement staff similar to ours, and in building a strong alumni and annual fund capability. He understands what it takes to raise money in an environment increasingly driven by affinity interests and tested by trying economic times."

Bean and his wife Chris are the parents of three boys, Chase (21), Garrett (19) and Austin (17). The couple will reside in Ottawa.