The start of the new year marked Melissa Evans’ transition to executive director of development, taking over for John Hoffman following his retirement at the end of 2024.
Evans earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Indiana State University before beginning her career in development as assistant director of the IU Student Foundation. She then moved to Ivy Tech Indianapolis as assistant director of development. She joined IUSD in 2016 as director of annual giving and was promoted to director of development in 2017.
In addition to fundraising, Evans served as IUSD Staff Council president for two years and represented IUSD on campus as chair of the Spirit of Philanthropy planning committee. She is a 2023 graduate of the IU Indianapolis Next Gen 2.0 Leadership cohort.
“I am thrilled to be chosen as the next executive director of development at IUSD,” Evans said. “In November, I began my ninth year as a member of the IUSD community, and I'm excited to keep working with our alumni to deepen their ties to the school. I extend my great thanks to John Hoffman for his leadership and dedication during my tenure and throughout his 23-year career at IU. John's tireless work has created a strong philanthropic foundation for the school, and I look forward to continuing this mission.
“There is so much more to be done as we advance oral health care education. I'm looking forward to collaborating with Dean Murdoch-Kinch to set fundraising priorities for the school. Funds raised have a lasting impact in Indiana and beyond.”