CANTON, Mo. — Sarah Koplinski has been named Culver-Stockton College’s vice president for advancement. She began her new role January 5. Koplinski brings more than 20 years of advancement and nonprofit leadership experience, including extensive work in major gifts, annual giving, grants, alumni engagement, stewardship, and campaign strategy.
Koplinski joins Culver-Stockton after a successful advancement career at Blackburn College (Carlinville, Ill.), where she served in several senior leadership roles, including vice president for institutional advancement, interim VP for institutional advancement, and senior director of development and foundation relations.
Throughout her tenure at Blackburn College, Koplinski led and collaborated on the development and implementation of comprehensive advancement programs, including capital campaigns, annual giving, major and planned gifts, corporate and foundation relations, alumni engagement, and stewardship. She was instrumental in a successful five-year comprehensive capital campaign that raised more than $26 million. In addition, Koplinski played a key role in building strong relationships with key alumni and donors resulting in significant financial support. She also developed a robust grant program securing and managing numerous grants including federal, state, and private foundation awards.
“Sarah is an experienced advancement leader with a strong record of results, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Culver-Stockton,” said Dr. Lauren Schellenberger, president of C-SC. “At Blackburn College, she helped lead comprehensive fundraising efforts that strengthened institutional capacity and advanced strategic priorities. She understands how to build authentic donor partnerships, align philanthropy with mission, and create the kind of donor-centered culture that drives long-term impact. As we look to the future of Culver-Stockton, Sarah’s strategic mindset, steady leadership, and deep understanding of effective fundraising will be instrumental as we grow support for our students and the work happening on the Hill.”
Prior to joining Blackburn, Koplinski spent 10 years with the American Cancer Society in Wisconsin and Illinois, where she managed large teams, multimillion-dollar budgets, and statewide fundraising initiatives. Earlier in her career, she served as the first lay director of development for The Core Collective (formerly St. Vincent Home for Children) in Florissant, Mo., leading grant writing, planned giving, special events, and marketing efforts.
Koplinski holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration and political science, with a minor in speech communications, from Blackburn College. She has completed advanced training in fundraising management and federal grants administration.
Koplinski and her husband, Trent, met while in college and have been married for 26 years. They have two children, including a son who is currently in college and a daughter who is a nurse.
“I am honored to step into this role at Culver-Stockton College,” Koplinski said. “This institution has a powerful mission and an engaged community of alumni, donors, and friends. I look forward to building strong partnerships that support our students, faculty, and the future of the College. I am excited to join the Culver-Stockton community and look forward to becoming involved in campus life and the surrounding area.”
Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.
NOTE: A number that appears immediately after a person’s name (i.e. Jane Doe ’18) is a reference to the year that person earned their bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton.