John Knowles selected to lead development and alumni relations at Stetson Law

John Knowles is the new executive director for development and alumni relations at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport and Tampa, Fla.

John Knowles, the executive director for development and alumni relations

John Knowles, the executive director for development and alumni relations

“I am honored to serve the Stetson community in this important capacity,” Knowles said. “Stetson University College of Law is a great American institution with a deep, rich heritage and a very exciting future. We will create and deploy a strategy in the coming months that will secure the resources needed to ensure Stetson Law’s second century is even greater than its first.”

Knowles worked previously as director of development and external affairs at Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Fla. Before that, he worked in senior level positions in state government in Michigan, including service as chief-of-staff to a member of the Michigan House of Representatives and director of external affairs for the Michigan attorney general.

Knowles earned a B.A. at Western Michigan University and a J.D. at Michigan State University College of Law. He also holds a fellowship certificate from Michigan State University for completing a specialized, highly selective curriculum teaching fundraising and strategic communications practices.

Knowles is an authority on alumni affairs for higher educational institutions and has served on the board of the Western Michigan University Alumni Association for seven years. He contributed to the national alumni relations strategy for a major research university ranked highly among four-year institutions by the U.S. News & World Report.

In early 2011, Gulfshore Life magazine recognized Knowles in their prestigious annual “40 Under 40” issue, recognizing the top up-and-coming business leaders in southwest Florida.

Knowles and his wife, Jennifer, live in Gulfport, Fla.