Mark Hintz Named Vice President of University Advancement

After a nationwide search, Mark Hintz has been hired as the next vice president for university advancement at Bethel University. Hintz brings over 24 years of leadership experience in fundraising, including more than a decade in higher education. “Mark is eager to join his advancement colleagues in helping alumni, donors, and friends of Bethel discover opportunities that align with Bethel's vision,” Bethel President Ross Allen says.

Along with Hintz’s hiring, Michael Freer was also recently named Bethel’s next chief human resources officer. They fill two key leadership positions at Bethel. “Human resources and university advancement are essential to the success of Bethel,” Allen says. “We are excited to welcome Michael and Mark to our team, as they bring a wealth of experience and expertise in higher education. I am grateful to have found two qualified individuals who share our faith in Jesus Christ and are committed to serving him with wisdom and integrity.”

After majoring in history, Hintz shifted toward a career in advancement and earned a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation from the American College of Financial Services. After a decade leading the fundraising and advancement activities at the university level, Hintz will now lead Bethel’s Office of Advancement, which oversees fundraising and planned giving. He is eager to help alumni, donors, and Bethel supporters discover giving opportunities that align with Bethel's vision. “Everything is made by and owned by our Heavenly Father,” Hintz says. “God calls his creation ‘very good’ and created us for worship. Giving of time, talent, and material possessions is an opportunity to worship and enjoy God's love for creation with each other.” Hintz has learned that such work isn’t about his or his team’s success, it’s about serving others. “It's easy, at times, to believe that success in this area is about you and your performance,” he says. “God has shown me that it's not about me but about those we are called to serve.” Hintz strives to base his leadership style around four key values: curiosity, empathy, collaboration, and creativity.

Hintz and his wife of 18 years, Meg, have two children: Emma, 16, and Hazen, 15. After their son, Jairus, was stillborn, Meg became director of Hope for the Mourning, a nonprofit that provides resources and mentoring for parents who have lost children. She is also the director for Hope Paths at Hope Academy in Minneapolis. The Hintzes are active members of Minneapolis’ Hope Community Church. They love visiting national parks, Disneyland, and Disney World on vacations. “Dad is a bit of a Disney-holic,” Hintz jokes. In his spare time, he enjoys running and learning carpentry.