#United States #Winter Park #Rollins College #Institutional Advancement #Amanda Hopkins

Rollins College Welcomes a New Leader in Institutional Advancement

Rollins College, located in Winter Park, Florida, has announced the appointment of Amanda Peters Hopkins, a distinguished alumna of the class of '03, as its new Vice President of Institutional Advancement. The announcement was made by the College's President, Brooke Barnett, and marks a significant milestone for both Hopkins and the institution. She is set to officially assume her role on February 15, 2027.

With nearly twenty years of experience in higher education advancement, Amanda has proven her expertise and dedication to the field. Currently, she serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Development at the University of Colorado Boulder. In this capacity, she has successfully led the university's fundraising initiatives, resulting in an impressive 81 percent increase in annual contributions over three fiscal years. Her efforts have laid the groundwork for a robust philanthropic framework that has secured over $100 million in support for various institutional projects.

Amanda’s leadership style focuses on collaboration and innovation, working closely with university officials and her advancement colleagues to enhance organizational capabilities. Her ability to build and strengthen fundraising programs will undoubtedly contribute to Rollins’ ongoing aspirations and needs.

This appointment represents a full-circle moment for Hopkins, who grew up in Central Florida and began her professional journey in the same region. After graduating cum laude from Rollins with a political science degree, she earned her law degree at the University of Florida. She practiced law related to commercial transactions before making her way back to Rollins in 2009. During her tenure of eight years at the institution, Amanda progressed through a series of leadership roles, eventually serving as Assistant Vice President for Development and Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Reflecting on her new role, Amanda stated, "I look forward to partnering with President Barnett and the Rollins community to imagine what is possible, deepen lifelong relationships with the College, and inspire the engagement and philanthropy that will help realize Rollins' aspirations for the future."

Her profound connection to Rollins is enhanced by her previous experiences as a student and employee. Amanda's commitment to educational advancement showcases not just her personal achievements but also her dedication to the college community.

Moreover, Amanda has been recognized for her exceptional leadership, recently receiving the CASE District VI Chief Executive Leadership Award. This accolade highlights her vision, ability to motivate others, and dedication to enhancing higher education. She has also contributed as a faculty member for CASE's Transformational Gifts Conference and is an alumnus of the HERS Leadership Institute.

President Brooke Barnett shared her enthusiasm about the appointment, saying, “Amanda has experienced Rollins as a student, loved it as an alumna, and served it as a member of our staff. That depth of understanding, paired with the advancement leadership she has built over her career, is exactly what will carry our institutional advancement division—and this College—into its next chapter.”

The Rollins College community is poised for significant growth and transformation under Amanda’s guidance, as she leads efforts to strengthen relationships with alumni and donors, ultimately fostering a culture of philanthropy that aligns with the college’s strategic goals. As the institution embraces the future, the hope is that her return will invigorate the advancement efforts and inspire a new generation of giving. Amanda Peters Hopkins is indeed returning home to a place where her journey began, full circle and primed for success.