CANTON -- St. Lawrence University has named Thomas R. Pynchon, who has more than two decades at St. Lawrence, vice president for university advancement. His appointment took effect July 1.

Pynchon will oversee all aspects of said division, including overall management of principal and major gifts, planned giving, donor relations, corporation and foundation relations, advancement operations, and annual giving and Laurentian engagement, according to a news release from SLU.

"In considering this promotion for Tom, I asked several trustees, faculty and staff members, and alumni representatives to discuss with Tom his ideas for growth in the Advancement area,” SLU president William L. Fox said. "Their feedback and my own wonderful experiences with Tom convince me that his leadership will mean continued expansion of our philanthropy and engagement efforts.”

Pynchon started at St. Lawrence in 1992 as director of planned giving. He came from the University of Vermont, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1981. Most recently, he was senior associate vice president for university advancement and director of principal gifts and international philanthropy.

“In this new role, I look forward to working with President (William) Fox and the strong and committed advancement staff, and continuing to build on my many connections with our faculty and staff, and the North Country community,” Pynchon said in the release.