The administration at Missouri Southern added yet another new face to its team Feb. 2, when Dr. Brad Hodson was named executive vice president at Missouri Southern and the executive director of the Missouri Southern Foundation. The newly created position will align various offices on campus such as Admissions, University Relations and Marketing, Governmental Relations, Alumni Relations, Fundraising and Advertising Sales.

“When Dr. Marble approached me about the opportunity, he talked about his vision for the institution and how this new division might fit into facilitating that vision,” said Hodson during a press conference. “It’s exciting to be part of something that’s growing, that has momentum.”

The former Gorilla, whose resignation from Pittsburg State University was announced three days earlier, says his new position at  Southern will be similar to the one he held at its rival, but will give him additional duties as well.

“My responsibilities are a little broader. I have some of the same areas such as fundraising, alumni relations and university marketing and communication,” said Hodson, “but I also have admissions — that includes domestic and international admissions — governmental relations, grants and contracts and advertising and sales — some things that I’ve not had before. So, it’s also a learning opportunity for me to broaden my understanding of how the university works.”

Upon being hired, Hodson says he and Marble discussed many of Southern’s current improvement projects, as well as a few long-term goals for the University.

“There are limitless opportunities at this institution,” said Hodson. I think that’s what attracted me here — the many, many ways that I feel like I could use my skills and my abilities to advance what is a fantastic university.”

Hodson received his bachelor of science degree in economics and finance from Missouri Southern in 1991, before moving on and obtaining a master’s in business administration degree from Pittsburg State University in 1993 and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2005.

“It was nice to come home,” said Hodson. “I haven’t been back on campus in 24 years. So, it was a great opportunity for me to reconnect with my undergraduate alma mater, but also be part of something very, very special that is growing and moving and has some momentum.”

After naming him to the new position, Marble praised Hodson via press release, stating that he is uniquely qualified to strengthen the university’s fundraising initiatives, its appeal to prospective students, and its alumni engagement.

“Dr. Hodson and I have been acquainted for many years, and I am a great fan of his work,” said Marble. “His list of accomplishments speaks for itself. We’re delighted to have another Missouri Southern alum rejoin the Lion family, and we’re looking forward to a very bright future.”