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Foundation names new executive director

Wednesday, Jan 26, 2011
Jay Davis

John Gyllin

John Gyllin, an executive with more than 15 years of experience in higher education administration, has been named the executive director of the Foundation for Seminole State College.

Gyllin, who previously served as vice president for advancement and executive director of the College Foundation for the College of Coastal Georgia, will take the helm of the Foundation for Seminole State, a non-profit corporation that oversees the development and stewardship of external resources on behalf of the College.

Gyllin, a native of Merritt Island, has been involved in higher education administration since 1996 and has worked specifically in advancement since 1998. At Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, he coordinated all alumni and fundraising activities on three campuses. In 2009, his team's efforts generated nearly $2 million in donor support, a record for the university, and doubled faculty and staff support.

Gyllin holds a bachelor's degree in management and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark. He is finishing his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Gyllin, who started at the College on Jan. 10, said he's already met a number of people and is impressed by the dedicated Foundation Board of Directors and staff.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to make a difference at Seminole State College," Gyllin said. "I'm overwhelmed by the community support we see at Seminole State, and also the dedication of the faculty and staff. They understand the incredible need to give, and our hope is to build an even stronger case for support of Seminole State."

Gyllin will be formally introduced at the Foundation's 27th annual Dream Gala, the College's biggest fundraising event, on Feb. 12.

In 2009-10, the Foundation received nearly $1.3 million in private contributions and public grants that helped fund more than 1,200 scholarships and numerous academic programs at Seminole State. For more information, please visit the Foundation website.