McMurry University has named Philip Hannon vice president of institutional advancement. In the role, Hannon will serve as the university’s chief development officer, providing leadership for the growth, administration, and management of McMurry’s comprehensive fundraising and alumni engagement efforts.
Hannon joined McMurry in September 2025 as executive director of development and brings more than a decade of higher education advancement experience to the position, with a record of success across the full range of development activity. Throughout his career, Hannon has provided strategic leadership for development operations, including major gift solicitation, capital campaigns, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and long-range fundraising initiatives. At his alma mater, where he worked alongside Dr. Murray, they raised more than $50 million and set new campaign fundraising records.
“I am thrilled to promote Philip Hannon to vice president of institutional advancement at McMurry University,” Dr. Murray said. “Phil’s proven integrity, leadership, and experience in the field of advancement will elevate our efforts and provide the private support necessary as we build toward the future.”
His ability to combine strategic vision with hands-on execution has led to successful fundraising strategies that resulted in transformational gifts for academic programs, scholarships, capital projects, and endowment growth. His relationship-centered approach has helped strengthen donor engagement while consistently exceeding fundraising goals.
His leadership experience extends beyond traditional development work. As senior manager of the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy and founder and principal of the Keepers of the Legends Foundation, Hannon has led diverse teams, managed complex operations, and built lasting community partnerships. He earned a Bachelor of Science in health and education from Baker University.
Hannon was particularly drawn to McMurry University’s commitment to transforming lives through education and its strong sense of community. Having spent his entire career in higher education, he understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing private institutions today.
“In my short tenure at McMurry, I am grateful for the warmth and welcoming kindness I have received,” Hannon said. “As President Dr. Lynne Murray leads the university into the future, I look forward to meeting more of the McMurry community and learning about their experiences over the decades. It will be my sincere pleasure to champion the McMurry University story, past, present, and future. This opportunity to serve, I will cherish. Ala Cumba.”