State Technical College of Missouri announced Friday it has added two new administrators.
John Hawkins is the school’s new outreach executive director.
Shannon Grus is State Tech’s new vice president of advancement.
Hawkins is a manufacturing professional and Missouri native whose most recent previous job was general manager for the Paul Mueller Co., a stainless steel manufacturer from Springfield.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering technology from Excelsior College in Albany, New York, and has extensive experience in technical training, sales management and manufacturing operations.
“This role is about forging relationships not only in industry, but also within organizational bodies to promote State Tech,” Hawkins said in a news release. “I’m honored to be associated with a college so dedicated to the success of our students.”
Grus brings more than 25 years of experience as a nonprofit development professional.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst University in Kansas City and a “mini MBA” in nonprofit management from St. Thomas University.
Grus most recently was the director of Institutional Development for East Central College in Union and executive director for the school’s foundation.
State Tech’s news release noted Grus doubled the number of scholarships at East Central, including a matching campaign that “generated 30 new endowed scholarships in 30 days, while increasing overall giving including giving to athletics and the arts.”
Grus lives in Rosebud, where she is serving her sixth term as mayor.
In the news release, State Tech President Shawn Strong said: “State Tech has an incredible value proposition — we deliver high quality technical education and get graduates high paying jobs. As we like to say, ‘From the classroom to your career we are the Employers’ Choice.’”
Strong said the two new administrators bring important skills to State Tech.
“Furthering our reputation, connections, and financial support will only become more important as we grow State Tech,” he said.