Michelle Yurko

Vice President for Advancement and External Relations

Michelle Yurko serves as vice president for advancement and external relations at Ursinus College. Joining the institution in October 2022, coinciding with President Robyn Hannigan’s inauguration, Michelle leads strategic initiatives within the division of advancement and external relations. This division encompasses the comprehensive oversight of the department of advancement and the department of marketing and communications. These departments include development, alumni engagement, advancement operations and services, campaign management, marketing, communications, and government relations.

Background

Michelle has over 20 years of experience in higher education, working at both small, residential liberal arts college and large, research universities. In addition, Michelle’s experience also includes academic medicine and hospitals, as well as support for neurodiversity programs. Prior to her role at Ursinus College, Michelle served as vice president for institutional advancement at Drexel University and chief development officer for St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. Michelle’s career also includes roles at Albright College in Reading, PA and Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. Michelle began her career in higher education in athletics as a head field hockey coach.

Michelle lives near campus in Collegeville, PA with her husband, two children, and their Labrador Retriever. Her brother is a 2008 Ursinus graduate, and her niece is a current Ursinus student.

Education

  • B.S. East Stroudsburg University
  • M.Ed. Drexel University

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Michelle Yurko
Michelle M. Yurko Named Vice President for Advancement
She comes to Ursinus from Drexel University, where she serves as vice president for institutional advancement and chief development officer for St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
The Innovation and Discovery Center at Ursinus College is home to the Parlee Center of Science and the Common Good.
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Dave Kovach '90, P'21
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Dave Kovach ’90, P’21, a longtime philanthropic supporter of Ursinus College and a new member of the Board of Trustees, will be presented with the 2025 Bear2Bear Impact Award for Leadership and Service on April 11.