7 minute read
Beginning of a New Chapter
(left) Brent gives instructions at the Bartholomew Performing Arts Center ribbon cutting in 2016.
For three decades, Brent Magner (’79) has served in Christian education fundraising and development roles, advancing institutions of higher learning. His extensive knowledge and experience in the art of ‘the ask’ and inviting others to join in the mission of York College has blessed his alma mater more than can be repaid or a retirement party could ever remunerate.
There you have it, Magner is turning in his overtime office hours, weekly meetings, board reports, and countless phone calls for a “gone-fish’n’” shingle. Not really—he doesn’t like to fish—but give him a good book to read and he will be content until supper. And if you have ever had a taste of Brent’s humor, whether it’s back in his days in YC Soul Concern or how he laughs the hardest at his own jokes, you probably are guessing that he thinks that’s funny. He does.
Magner plans to stay on with the College in a new role, focusing on alumni and friends of the school. “I will continue to pester classmates and other alumni for gifts, but since I will work part-time, they won't have to listen to me as often,” he chuckled. “My friends will probably celebrate the change.”
Before coming to York College, Magner spent 14 years at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas, where he served half of his time there as ACU’s Director of Development. Prior to that, he began his work in advancement at Rochester College. In 2007, he made the move to Nebraska where he was named Vice President for Advancement at York College, a position he has held the last 14 years. His experience working with capital campaigns at ACU as well as the university’s Annual Fund became a tremendous asset, and his educational background and experience made him a great fit for the role.
“From the time Wayne Baker called me in 2007 until now, the journey has been all about God's work,” Magner said. “Sometimes His abundance caught me off guard. I don't know why. His faithfulness is the story of York College, or anyway the only one that matters. And because He's faithful, lots of lives have been touched and changed here. It has been a good journey, but it is time for me to step down. It's also a good time for a new person with energy and fresh ideas to help figure out what comes next.”
During his tenure at York College, endowment grew from $6.6 million to $17.5 million, and financial stability has been a constant, even in a nation embroiled with fiscal uncertainty. Beyond 125 campaign that was completed in 2018 was the most successful fund raising campaign in the history of the College, surpassing the $10.7 million goal by $6.17 million. The campaign included the construction of the Bartholomew Performing Arts Center, Touchton Baseball Clubhouse, and the creation of the Clayton Museum of Ancient History. Dollars raised for student scholarships and endowment exceeded $9.5 million during the campaign.
“We have been very fortunate to have someone of Brent’s caliber to represent and promote York College in the areas of advancement,” said Dr. R. Wayne White, Chair, YC Board of Trustees. “His work with donors, alumni, and the community of York has put the College on solid footing that will pay dividends for years to come.”
President Sam Smith had high praise for Magner as well, “Brent has literally spent years’ worth of time on the phone, typed miles of words via emails, and racked thousands of travel miles out of a deep passion for York College. His work and efforts led the College through numerous successful capital campaigns where millions of dollars were raised. Perhaps more importantly, hundreds of people were able to hear Brent's passion for YC and they ultimately became partners with YC. His passion for YC is truly contagious."
Smith went on to say, "One of the things I love most about Brent is that his first instinct in any situation is to pray. There is no doubt in my mind that Brent bathed this decision in prayer and his confidence in what comes next is in God alone."
Magner is looking forward to a slower pace where he can enjoy spending more time with family. He and his wife Kay
have four grown children and two wonderful daughters-in-law: Daniel (Jasmine), Jennie, Caleb (Amalia), and Ann.
“I do remember the summer day after we had been here about five years, when I came home from work and Kay had spent the day with friends and our kids and later working in our garden,” Magner reflected. “She was reading Psalms and came across the verse that says, "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places." That was and is York for us. York is not a destination and probably on no one's bucket list, but it is a community and a college that we love. More importantly, York is an off-the-beaten-path place where God does a faithful work – sometimes in hearts that submit and sometimes in hearts that rebel. But it is all His good work no matter how we respond.”
Magner earned his associate’s degree from York in 1979 where he was active in the A Cappella Chorus, Soul Concern, theatre, and Sigma Tau service club. He received his bachelor’s from ACU in 1981, and his master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Iowa in 1984.
President Smith summed it up, "Brent Magner modeled what an exceptional VP for Advancement is, does, and can do for YC." n
1978-79 Soul Concern: (l-r) Tom Learned, Brent Magner, Darryl Darden, Scott Lambert, Dennie Osborne, Paul Blake, Gary Boyle, and Chris Rhodes.
Stark Named VP for Advancement
Jared Stark (’01) will assume the role of vice president for advancement of York College on August 1. Stark has been serving as vice president for athletics and enrollment management since 2014.
"I am thrilled for Jared to move into this position and focus his energies on engaging a new generation of alumni along with many new friends for York College," President Sam Smith said. "His personal connection with so many alumni and friends combined with his deep passion for our mission will be a tremendous asset for years to come."
Stark began work as an admissions counselor with York College in 2001, a few days after completing his bachelor’s degree. He left York in 2003 for graduate studies at Texas Tech University, completing the M.Ed in higher education administration in 2005.
Stark returned to YC and eventually became athletic director in 2008. In 2014, he took on oversight of enrollment management which includes student recruiting and retention. Under his leadership, the college has navigated an increasingly difficult student recruiting and retention landscape with notable successes resulting in last year’s record enrollment of 640.
“While I am saddened to leave my position with enrollment and athletics,” Starks explained, “I am eager to begin this new work. York College, the people, the place, the traditions, and our Christ-centered mission have been a source of inspiration and blessing to me for more than 20 years.
“It will be an honor to represent York College to our alumni and other friends so we can advance further the important eternal work that happens here on a daily basis through our faculty and staff. Life-changing moments are a daily occurrence at YC, and so many here have shaped who I am. We have a lot of work to do, but I am excited to embrace this new challenge.”
President Smith added, “Jared's unwavering commitment to York College, deep commitment to his faith in Jesus, and unique connections with alumni will be key components of his success. He has demonstrated the ability to balance competing priorities while working with a wide variety of people which serves as great preparation for the work ahead for him and the college. Thanks to the stability of recent years and the eagerness of our core constituency to push York College forward, we have the opportunity to take the college to the next level and we are going to excitedly take that opportunity.”
Jared and his wife, Charla (Farrell ’01), have two children, Everson (9) and Nico (2).
