University designates Ford as the Associate Vice President for Development and Progression at Park University.
Melissa Ford, a seasoned fundraising professional, has been appointed as the Associate Vice President for Advancement at Park University, effective from August 16, 2023.
In her new role, Ford will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies at the University. Her duties will include planning, organizing, and implementing various fundraising campaigns designed to support Park University's mission and goals.
Ford's career in fundraising and development spans across various sectors. She has served as the executive director and CEO for the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. More recently, Ford has been working at the University of Missouri - Kansas City as the director of philanthropic giving for the School of Science and Engineering since 2021.
While specific details about Ford's previous roles in fundraising and development are not extensively documented, available information suggests she has been involved in nonprofit and community engagement activities. For instance, she served as an Event Co-Chair for the 2025 Philly Awards, a nonprofit marketing awards event.
Ford's fundraising responsibilities at Park University will encompass capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, and special events. Her work experience also includes positions at United WE, Musical Theater Heritage, the Kansas City Ballet, and Girls Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri.
Ford's passion for the arts is evident in her educational background, having earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance performance from Oklahoma City University. She is also a member of the Kansas City Ballet Guild's Board of Directors and served as its president in 2022-23.
Ford's appointment as the Associate Vice President for Advancement at Park University marks a significant step in the University's fundraising efforts. Under her leadership, the University aims to further its mission and goals, strengthening its position in the educational landscape.
In her new role at Park University, Melissa Ford will strive to bolster her education-and-self-development by implementing career-development strategies that strengthen the University's fundraising initiatives and advance its mission and goals. Melissa Ford's diverse background in fundraising, encompassing various sectors, positions her uniquely to organize and execute campaigns that support Park University's objectives while also fostering growth in her own professional career.
