Mark Hill, Vice President of University Advancement at Concordia University, St. Paul, has announced his intention to retire from the university on June 30, 2026. Hill has served CSP for nearly 17 years, the last 12 as Vice President.
During Hill’s tenure, donations to Concordia University, St. Paul have increased significantly, including total dollars given and the number of donors overall. The university’s Elevate the Promise campaign has been a key highlight of this success. This comprehensive campaign, which stretches from July 2020 to June 2027, has reached its initial goal of $55M nearly 18 months ahead of schedule. During the campaign, CSP received its largest one-time gift in history, a $10M commitment from Rev. Jim and Karen Laatsch, which Hill worked tirelessly to secure.
“Mark has been an excellent leader for the advancement team at Concordia St. Paul,” says the Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, President of Concordia University, St. Paul. “His deep commitment to CSP’s mission and diligent efforts over many years have enabled more donors to live out their values and faith as they support our students with their gifts. He is a gifted and experienced fundraising professional. His legacy of service, calling, and encouragement will continue to reap rewards for the CSP community for decades to come. He is a wonderful colleague and partner. I pray that God continues to bless Mark in this season of retirement. He will be missed!”
Friedrich has appointed the Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson to assume the Vice President of University Advancement role beginning July 1, 2026. Peterson has served CSP since July 2024 as Senior Development and Church Relations Officer, during which he has engaged major donors and congregations within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to support Concordia St. Paul students.
Prior to CSP, Peterson served as Vice President of Administration at Concordia University Wisconsin/Ann Arbor, where he provided leadership and oversight of the Ann Arbor campus and managed a portfolio of major donors. He previously served as campus pastor at the Ann Arbor campus as well as a parish pastor for a large congregation in St. Louis.
“Ryan has been an integral part of our efforts to engage new donors and more congregations and ministry leaders in the work that CSP is doing for the church and world,” says Friedrich. “I am delighted that he has accepted the VP role and look forward to seeing his leadership expand during an exciting time for Concordia St. Paul. His energy, drive, and focus will continue to generate significant returns for CSP students, alumni, and friends. Ryan is a dynamic young leader who has already had a tremendous impact on CSP’s fundraising efforts. I look forward to serving with him in the years to come.”
This leadership transition is underway and will continue over the coming months.