New VP of Business and Finance Joining Valley Leadership Team
Missouri Valley College Welcomes Kelly Magnuson as Vice President of Business and Finance
Missouri Valley College is pleased to announce that Kelly Magnuson has joined the College as its new Vice President of Business and Finance, following a national executive search conducted by Hyatt-Fennell that attracted a strong and competitive pool of candidates. She succeeds the retiring Richard Gozia.
A seasoned higher education leader, Magnuson brings experience in financial operations, budget development and oversight, and long-range planning. Her background includes building data-informed financial models, strengthening management reporting, and developing key performance indicators to support institutional decision-making. She is known for her sound fiscal judgment and ability to align financial operations with institutional priorities. In addition to her business operations acumen, she has major experience in advancement and enrollment operations.
“Kelly’s depth of experience and strategic insight make her an outstanding fit for Valley,” said President Joe Parisi. “She understands how to align financial stewardship with institutional growth, which is critical to supporting student success and ensuring long-term stability.”
Mgnuson joins Missouri Valley College from Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota, where she served for more than 20 years in progressively senior leadership roles. Most recently, she held the position of Vice President for Enrollment and Advancement. She also served as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Ridgewater College Foundation, working closely with institutional leadership on financial planning, governance, compliance, and resource development.
Her career reflects increasing responsibility and collaboration across advancement, enrollment, and executive leadership. Her work includes managing complex financial resources, maintaining disciplined budget oversight, and addressing the financial and strategic challenges facing higher education today.
“I’m humbled to be given this opportunity,” Magnuson said. “During my visit, there was a sense of warmth and welcome that immediately put me at ease. People were open, kind, and genuinely excited about the direction of the college. I could easily picture myself living and working here.”
Magnuson also cited the energy she experienced both on campus and throughout the Marshall community as key factors in her decision. She has already purchased a home in Marshall and will begin her new role in early April.
During the search process, senior consultant Jann Weitzel, Ph.D., highlighted Magnuson’s attention to detail, steady and diligent work ethic, and strong professional judgment. She noted Magnuson’s keen understanding of higher education and her proactive approach to communication—ensuring that emerging issues and potential risks are identified and addressed early.
Magnuson’s appointment positions Missouri Valley College to strengthen its financial future in an evolving higher education landscape, reinforcing a strong commitment to ensuring resources are strategically aligned to support the student experience and advance the institution’s mission.