The Fort Hays State University Foundation is pleased to welcome Ryan Grasser and Jordan Schmidt to its staff as directors of development.
In their new roles, Grasser and Schmidt will be responsible for raising private support to advance the mission of FHSU. They will work closely with alumni, friends, and donors to strengthen support for the university and its students.
Grasser will focus on university-wide efforts. His background as a Fort Hays State admissions counselor allowed him to meet prospective students, families, coaches, and community partners. In that role, he represented the university at recruitment events and presentations statewide, helping build strong connections with future Tigers and their supporters.
Grasser is also a proud FHSU alum, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in HHP and Sport Management and was a student-athlete, graduate assistant, and an admissions counselor. Through these experiences, he has gained a deep understanding of the university and its people, as well as a genuine passion for telling the FHSU story and building meaningful connections in support of its mission.
Schmidt joins the Foundation from the University of Kansas and brings more than six years of experience in development, donor engagement, and revenue generation. He previously served as a Premium Sales Manager with Legends Global and worked in development and fan relations for University of Illinois Athletics.
Schmidt also graduated from Fort Hays State University, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. His understanding of the university environment and connection to the community will serve him well as he works to help support the College of Education and Tebo Library.
As directors of development, Grasser and Schmidt will build relationships with alumni, friends, donors, and university partners while helping connect their generosity to opportunities that make a lasting difference at Fort Hays State University.