The veteran advancement professional joins the Elon University community from Davidson College, where she served for three years as a major gifts officer.
Elon University has named Mary Beth Hernandez the inaugural director of development for Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, where she will focus her work on supporting programs and initiatives within the university’s largest academic division.
In her new role, Hernandez will manage a portfolio of university alumni, parents, and friends to build engagement and scholarship resources that benefit student learning and faculty achievement.
“President Book’s bold investment in Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences through this new development position is a game changer,” said Hilton Kelly, dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences. “I am eager to work with Mary Beth, who brings extensive experience in educational advancement — from fundraising and alumni relations to marketing communications.
“Her hire will be a catalyst as we partner with alumni, corporations and foundations to provide more support for students and faculty.”
Hernandez joins the Elon staff from Davidson College. In her previous role, Hernandez raised more than $10 million for a variety of initiatives, including an endowed professorship and several scholarships. She managed a portfolio of over 500 prospects, developed and implemented personal cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies, and planned donor meetings with college leadership.
Hernandez also served as a holistic advisor for first-year students and was the president of Davidson’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.
Hernandez said she is eager to bring the skills she has developed over the last 30 years to help the College’s mission of serving students and support its tradition of excellence in liberal arts education.
“This new role offers a chance to build something from the ground up, and that’s really exciting for me,” Hernandez said. “I love having the opportunity to be innovative and thoughtful. It’s a unique moment for a fundraiser.”
Prior to her tenure with Davidson College, Hernandez served for 20 years as the associate dean for advancement at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, where she raised over $40 million.
She also worked as the chief executive officer of Camp Corral, a national nonprofit that serves the children of wounded and fallen military members. In this role, she oversaw the nonprofit’s operation and executed a fundraising campaign.
Hernandez received her bachelor’s degree in English from Davidson College and a master’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.