Two new vice presidents have been appointed to serve on the administration of Reinhardt University. David Leopard is the Vice President for Finance and Administration; He replaced Robert G. “Bob” McKinnon, who served in the position from March 2008 until his retirement this in March 2015. Timothy A. “Tim” Norton is the Vice President for Advancement; Norton filled the position of JoEllen Bell Wilson ’61, who retired from Reinhardt after serving in many roles for 33 years (July 1982-2015).
“Mr. Norton and Mr. Leopard bring years of experience to their respective positions and will be joining an already strong leadership team,” said Dr. Kina Mallard, president. “The future of Reinhardt is bright. With our excellent leaders, faculty and staff, we are ready to soar into the future as we continue shaping lives and building futures.”
David Leopard – Vice President for Finance and Administration
Leopard previously served as vice president of finance and administration at Young Harris College, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Robert W. Woodruff Arts Center, Inc. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Georgia State University and was licensed as a CPA in 1984.
“With many years of non-profit experience in higher education and the arts, I am looking forward to working with the other members of the Leadership Team to guide the development of distinctive programs and degrees that will make Reinhardt competitive for many years to come,” Leopard said. “As a financial executive that understands the importance of branding and product perception, I will push for our campuses and facilities to represent Reinhardt in a manner that is appealing to potential students and their families.
“We will also work to develop and have a deeper understanding of our business model and how that will be critical in developing the next strategic plan for the University,” he continued. “There are numerous challenges facing higher education in the next 20 years. It is crucial that we position the University to meet those challenges and emerge stronger, both financially and operationally.”
Tim Norton – Vice President for Advancement
Norton has served the last four years as chief advancement officer for Appalachia Service Project (ASP) in Johnson City, Tenn. In this position, he provided leadership for communications/public relations, philanthropy/development, volunteer recruitment and deployment and information technology. At ASP, he built and implemented the online giving program, developed and implemented the planned giving program, and established a rigorous program of private foundation and government grant research, proposal preparation/presentation.
Prior to ASP, Norton served as interim vice president for advancement at Carson-Newman University, Development Director for The Christian Index in Atlanta, Associate Vice President for Development at Palm Beach Atlantic College, and Associate Director for Marketing and Development for the Home Mission Board in Atlanta.
“Having worked in fundraising for colleges & universities and non-profits for over 30 years, my greatest gift is as a relationship builder,” Norton said. “I look forward to building mutually beneficial relationships in support of students, alumni, faculty, and programs that will, in turn, benefit Reinhardt, our immediate community, and the world.
“I have always believed–and experienced this to be true–that people are willing to invest their hard-earned dollars in a place like Reinhardt University when they understand the mission, are offered a compelling case for support, are asked to do what they are able to do as financial supporters, and are appreciated and recognized for giving,” he said. “This is what I hope to do, together, as we move Reinhardt University forward as a place of life-transforming experiences for all those who live, work, serve and visit here.”
