Contact Us
James Smith (’99)
Vice President for University Relations740-397-9000, Ext. 4133
james.smith@mvnu.edu
James oversees the departments of Traditional Admissions, Student Financial Services, Marketing, Development, Alumni Relations, and Campus Events.
Through strategic planning and collaborations, both on and off campus, he connects with alumni, donors, and friends of the university to advance our mission through generous giving and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Justin is responsible for the overall supervision and integration of development and alumni relations functions including endowments, gifts administration and records. Additionally, he oversees development programs and special events, reports and data management, prospect research and management, stewardship development and analysis, and planned giving.
Brad Kochis (’94)
Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement
740-397-9000, Ext. 4312
740-397-9000, Ext. 4312
Brad will develop the vision and strategically plan for continued growth of MVNU’s alumni communities locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. By enhancing relationships with alumni, his efforts will create a synergy between current students and alumni for internships, mentoring, and career opportunities. Additionally, Brad will maintain open lines of communications with alumni to keep them connected to MVNU and each other through social media, publications, alumni events, and gatherings.
Jill Ballenger (’94)
Director of the University Fund740-397-9000, Ext. 4303
jill.ballenger@mvnu.edu
Jill oversees all aspects of the annual giving program including direct mail, phonathon, social media, email, class agents and ambassadors. In addition, she manages MVNU’s relationships with the Mount Vernon and Knox County communities, including non-profits, businesses, and community groups.
John Mohnasky (’17)
Assistant Director of Development740-397-9000, Ext. 4134
john.mohnasky@mvnu.edu
John assists the Assistant VP for Development with reporting and data management, endowments and annual giving. He is responsible for the overall endowment awarding process and works with accounting to ensure up to date record keeping of all endowed scholarships. Additionally, he assists marketing with reporting and content.
Melissa Kochis (’93)
University Relations Coordinator740-397-9000, Ext. 4300
melissa.kochis@mvnu.edu
Melissa assists with volunteer management, stewardship operations, event coordination, and travel planning for the University Relations team. She also provides administrative assistance for the Church Relations division, and assists the Assistant VP for Development with office organization, data management, and administrative responsibilities.
Heather assists the Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement with office organization and administrative responsibilities. She is instrumental in the maintenance of alumni records, assists with the coordination of Homecoming and other alumni events, and collaborates with Marketing in the production of various alumni mailings.
Esther Carpenter
Gift Receipts and Records Coordinator740-397-9000, Ext. 4332
esther.carpenter@mvnu.edu
Esther diligently ensures that every gift is processed, recorded, and receipted properly. She works closely with development staff and Accounting to properly document the philanthropic support of all MVNU constituencies.
Brooke Robinson (’09)
Administrative Assistant to the VP for University Relations740-397-9000, Ext. 4133
brooke.robinson
Brooke assists the Vice President for University Relations in daily operations of the University Relations Division including travel planning and schedule management, vendor relationships, community sponsorships, and other administrative responsibilities. She coordinates and executes MVNU donor events and special events for the MVNU President’s office. Brooke also serves as the Assistant to the MVNU Director of Student Financial Services and as MVNU’s Tuition Exchange liaison.
Diana connects with Alumni, Churches and Donors to ensure that they know they are valued by MVNU. She assists in gathering and updating contact information so our office can stay connected. She also takes part in events facilitated by Traditional Admissions, Alumni Relations, and Development.