Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Deborah Dutton resigned this summer in order to accept a position at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). Dutton is now working for the UNH Department of University Advancement in a comparable position to that which she served at the College.

“It was quite surprising to me, but these things happen,” College President William “Bro” Adams said. In the absence of an immediate replacement, Adams has taken over Dutton’s duties to the College.

“I am spending time now trying to figure out what the best approach to replacing her is,” Adams said. The hiring of a replacement staff member in this position will likely involve a national search, but this process has yet to be officially determined.

The vice president of development and alumni relations is in charge of all fundraising for the College, including the annual giving program, also known as the Colby Fund, and capital gifts to the College. Alumni relations are also a large part of this position. Networking and alumni events around the country such as the Bicentennial Events are planned by the office of alumni relations.

“It’s a big job—hugely important,” Adams said.

Dutton was named the vice president for development and alumni relations in February of 2011 after serving as the director of development and associate vice president for college relations for five years. She served the College in this position during the Reaching the World Campaign, which raised $376 million.