University President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn has appointed Laura Bishop as Executive Vice President for Advancement, effective July 1, 2020.
Bishop comes to Palm Beach Atlantic from Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is an ORU graduate. She served with distinction for the past six years as Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, then in an expanded role as Vice President of Advancement. Her ORU accomplishments include leading the University’s recent 50th Anniversary celebration and capital campaign, which exceeded its goal. She was instrumental in raising money to build several new buildings and helped launch ORU’s newest capital campaign, Whole Leaders for the Whole World. She led ORU’s Advancement Department comprised of Development, Alumni Relations, Brand Management, Public Relations, Media Production, Empowered21, University Broadcasting, Inc., and GEB.
In her new role at Palm Beach Atlantic, Bishop will be responsible for planning, organizing and implementing the University’s fundraising, Marketing, Community Service, Planned Giving and Alumni Relations efforts. She will report directly to the President and serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.
“Laura’s proven track record in all areas of fund development, coupled with her background and leadership in communications, make her especially qualified to be part of our leadership team as we seek to fulfill God’s ambition for Palm Beach Atlantic,” President Schwinn said. “As a graduate and a staff member of a Christian university, Laura understands the importance of faith-based, liberal arts education for young adults today, as well as the expanding role of Christian education for older adults.”
“I’m delighted to be serving on Dr. Schwinn’s leadership team and partnering with the entire PBA community as we share with the world all that is and will be accomplished at this exceptional university,” said EVP Bishop. “I believe that this is an incredibly profound time for Christian higher education, and that Palm Beach Atlantic University is poised to have an even greater impact on the world.”
Bishop has ties to South Florida. Prior to joining ORU, she served as executive director of the National Christian Foundation and Lifework Leadership in Fort Lauderdale. She was director of Development and Communications for Habitat for Humanity of Broward County and Westminster Academy. Her professional experience includes working as a radio talk show host, executive director of a television channel and owner of her own public relations agency. EVP Bishop is married to David Bishop, an international film producer. The couple have two children—Emily, who is a senior associate at a digital political consulting firm in Washington, D.C., and Jeremy, who is a college senior, studying business and communications.
