Dick Valentine named president of Culver-Stockton College

CANTON, Mo. – Dick Valentine has been named by the Culver-Stockton Board of Trustees as the 25th president of the college effective July 1. He will succeed William L. Fox who is leaving in mid-June to become president of St. Lawrence University, Canton, N.Y.

Valentine, a 1970 graduate of Culver-Stockton, has been vice president for alumni and development at Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky., since 2004. Previously, he was vice president of external relations at Monmouth College, Monmouth, Ill., and dean of admission and financial aid at then-Arkansas College, now known as Lyon College, Batesville, Ark.

Not only is Valentine the first C-SC alumnus to be named president of the college, he has served the college both as a member of the Culver-Stockton Board of Trustees and as former dean of admissions at C-SC.

Culver-Stockton Board Chairman Don Gnuse said Valentine was elected during a special meeting of the board on May 8 after the selection committee had narrowed the field of 62 applicants to 16 semi-finalists and three finalists, who visited campus.

“We are especially pleased that Dick has accepted the leadership of the college,” Gnuse said. “Of our many gifted presidential candidates, Dick best meets the qualifications and priorities that we are looking for in a college president, and will continue our progress toward our college’s master plan. He knows and loves Culver-Stockton and has excellent experience in areas that will help us continue the progress at C-SC and take the college in the right direction.”

“Dick’s experience at the staff and board levels of Culver-Stockton, combined with his long career in higher education at other institutions, is an immense advantage to the college at this time of strong momentum,” said outgoing C-SC President William L. Fox. “I know that I am leaving the college in the hands of someone who loves it as much as I do and who will continue to strengthen it in every possible way.”

As president of Culver-Stockton College, I will work to enhance the living and learning community of our campus and to provide the leadership to focus on a shared vision for the future,” Valentine said. “This future will build on our traditions and mission but will also engage the Culver-Stockton community in creative conversation about building a stronger college, known for its ability to prepare students for lives of meaning, service and leadership.”

Following interviews on campus last week, Valentine was recommended by the C-SC presidential search committee, composed of representatives of the board, faculty, staff, students, alumni and community. Consultant for the search, which began in January, was Academic Search Consultant Services, the same firm that helped C-SC recruit Dr. Fox six years ago.

Valentine has an extensive background in successful fund-raising, capital campaigns and increasing enrollment. At Transylvania, he increased the alumni giving percentage, set a total giving record, and is currently closing out a five-year $32 million capital campaign, having exceeded the goal more than a year ahead of schedule. His efforts have included finding resources to fund the Center for Liberal Education program, which has become a strategic program for the university, and establishing a permanent endowment to fund a visiting professor of the leadership program.

In 11 years at Monmouth, Valentine doubled enrollment, increased annual giving to the college and completed a $53 million capital campaign. At Arkansas, he led an enrollment growth of 40 percent; and at C-SC, he increased enrollment by 85 percent.

Valentine’s extensive career has also included teaching at Mendon Elementary School, serving as district executive for the Boy Scouts of America-Quincy, Ill.; and owning a classic car restoration company in Batesville, Ark. Valentine is active with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the National Committee on Planned Giving, the Central Kentucky Planned Giving Council, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. He currently is chairman of Transylvania United Way and public sector committee member of Bluegrass United Way.

A native of Mexico, Mo., Valentine and his wife, Lorna, will be moving to Canton.