Biography
Prior to joining Gonser Gerber as a Senior Consultant in January 2016, Kent served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement at Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City (MCC) where he led a successful advancement program and was responsible for the College’s Foundation (development, constituent relations, stewardship), as well as the communications, public relations and marketing functions. At MCC, he launched a $20 million campaign, the college’s first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign reaching record fundraising levels that yielded the largest individual and grant gifts; largest event-based fundraising totals; and largest employee giving totals in the organization’s history.
Before MCC, Kent served as Director of Development at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Foundation where he led fundraising efforts for the School of Medicine and assisted in a $200 million comprehensive campaign for the institution. Prior to joining UMKC, Kent served in leadership positions at William Jewell College (MO), including Regional Development Director and Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. In those roles, he helped manage campaigns that secured more than $80 million, doubled annual operating support, increased the percentage of alumni giving, and better positioned Jewell as a national liberal arts college.
Prior to working in advancement, Kent worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City for 10 years where he participated in the management development program and held leadership roles in human resources, savings bonds and information technology.
Education & Achievements
Education
- B.S. in Business Administration from William Jewell College
Professional
Additional Organizations
- WJC Administrative Council (2007 to 2012)
- WJC Athletic Affiliation Committee (2007)
- WJC Athletic Director Search Committee (2009)
- WJC Board of Trustees Development Committee (2010 to 2012)
- WJC Board of Trustees Enrollment & Marketing Committee (2006 to 2010)
- WJC Cardinal Club Board (2005 to 2010)
- WJC Intercollegiate Athletic Committee (2011 to 2012)
- WJC Prestigious Honors Committee (2005 to 2012)
- WJC Reaccreditation Subcommittee (2010)
Personal
Proud husband of Jen (Karleskint) Huyser, and father of three. Loyal fanatic of World Champion Kansas City Royals, KC Chiefs, Jayhawks basketball & Huskers football.
Residence: Liberty, Missouri
