Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) has named Mr. Stephen Latson, the Interim Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, effective May 9, 2023. Mr. Latson will manage the university’s fundraising initiatives in his new role by establishing and fostering relationships with donors, alumni, foundations, and corporations. With over 18 years of front-line banking, customer experience, and an understanding of the markets and business, Mr. Latson will report to SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail.

Mr. Latson transitions into this role after serving as Director of Development in the SAU Office of Institutional Advancement. With experience as a results-driven banker, Mr. Latson has a reputation for providing expert relationship management and strategic guidance. He builds trust through a demonstrated ability to optimize performance and achieve desired results. He has a passion for professional and personal development to continue bringing clients the highest value.

Before serving as Director of Development at SAU, Mr. Latson held banking roles at Commerce Bank and Mazuma Credit Union in Kansas City. In his last role as Director of Development, he oversaw the business banking team at AltCap. AltCap is a Community Development Fund Institution based in Kansas City, Missouri, that supports underserved business communities. His team focused on commercial and small business lending in Missouri and Kansas with a loan portfolio of thirty million dollars.

“We are thrilled to have Stephen Latson join us as the Interim Executive Director of Institutional Advancement,” said SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “His skills, experience, and vision will be instrumental in leading our fundraising efforts and driving the university’s advancement.”

Mr. Latson’s appointment is critical for the university as it continues to expand and transform its academic programs and facilities. His leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the university can continue to provide educational excellence to its students and contribute to the betterment of society.

“I am honored to accept the role of Interim Executive Director of Institutional Advancement,” said Mr. Latson. “I believe in the vision that SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail has laid at our feet as a faculty and staff. I look forward to leading the way forward as an agent of change.”

A native of Jesup, Georgia, Mr. Latson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Mr. Latson is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. He was a three-year letterman on the USM football team and earned a Master’s in Education from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri.