Ripon College Vice President Shawn Karsten leaving Feb. 1

RIPON, Wisconsin – Shawn Karsten, vice president for advancement, marketing and communications and chief of staff, will leave Ripon College to join XPRIZE Foundation. A 2009 Ripon alumnus, he will remain in his role at Ripon College through Feb.1 after serving at the institution for more than a decade.

As vice president for advancement, Karsten led the “Forever Ripon” campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in College history, to unprecedented results with a current campaign total of $117 million dollars. In his role as vice president for marketing and communications, Karsten spearheaded the brand analysis work and oversaw the College rebrand.

During his time at Ripon, he also contributed to the success of the Ripon Fund including Ripon College’s day of giving – “One Day Rally,” the development of Ripon College’s Strategic Plan: RC175 and increased alumni engagement and participation by meeting face to face with hundreds of alumni and donors across the country. Finally, as chief of staff and a member of the administrative council, he worked closely with the board of trustees and served as a trusted advisor, key communicator and strategic partner for President Victoria N. Folse.

“It has been an absolute privilege working alongside Shawn, and I know he is ready for this next step in his professional journey,” Folse said. “He leaves Ripon College in a position of strength thanks to his unparalleled dedication to and investment in the institution.”

XPRIZE is an established global non-profit and leader in designing and executing large-scale competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. In his new role as VP, Community, Karsten assumes a leadership role for the Community group within the Advancement team, primarily responsible for cultivating and growing XPRIZE’s existing benefactor community. He and his family will continue to reside in Ripon, and will remain active in the community.

“Words will never be able to capture the immense gratitude I have for the campus community placing their trust in me during my time in leadership. More than anything, I will forever cherish the relationships I’ve developed with my staff and faculty colleagues, the board of trustees and the College’s generous philanthropic community,” said Karsten. “I look forward to remaining an active member of the alumni community and witnessing the continued growth of a place that has meant so much to me and my family, both personally and professionally.”

Ripon College is partnering with WittKieffer, an executive search firm with specialization in higher education, for a national search to fill his role.

Posted December 16, 2024 in Administration, Office of the President.

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