N.H. Exec To Lead

Hartwick College’s

Fundraising Efforts

Paul Lee Hobson Just Completed

$30M Plymouth State Campaign

ONEONTA – Paula Lee Hobson, who just completed a $30 million “Imagine a Way” fundraising campaign at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, has been named Hartwick College’s vice president for college advancement, President Margaret L. Drugovich announced today.

At Plymouth State, Hobson served as vice president for university advancement for five years. In all, she has worked in higher education for more than 20 years, and the private sector for an additional 15 years.   The appointment begins effective Aug. 1.

Hobson takes over for Peg Luy, who has served in the position on an interim basis since January.  Gregg Fort, who served four years in the post, is now with the Epilepsy Foundation Iowa.

“Paula Lee has the perfect combination of skills and personal qualities needed to lead this work as the college and our supporters imagine and shape Hartwick’s role in the future of American higher education,” Drugovich said.

In addition to “Imagine a Way,” at Plymouth she oversaw the integration of its former marketing and public relations team into the University Advancement division, and led the newly formed marketing communications and creative services team in creating a successful integrated marketing communications plan.

Hobson said she is thrilled to be coming to Oyaron Hill. “The future of Hartwick is very bright, and I look forward to working closely with alumni and donors on the vision of Hartwick 225 and beyond,” she said.

Before Plymouth, Hobson spent 16 years as executive director of institutional advancement for Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nev. There, she was responsible for leading an award-winning staff that brought in more than $25 million through a fundraising campaign to enhance academic programs, capital projects, instructional equipment and student scholarships.

In 2013, her efforts helped land the college in the top 50 of Community College foundations in the country out of more than 1,200 two-year institutions.

She has won numerous fundraising and marketing industry awards throughout her career, including an Excellence Award from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Marketing Association. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Hobson earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Oregon. In 2008, she earned a master’s degree from the University of Nevada in journalism with a 4.0 grade point average.

A native of Coquille, Ore., Hobson enjoys gardening, playing the piano, and outdoor sports.