Melissa Mount, Fort Lewis College vice president for advancement and CEO of the Fort Lewis College Foundation, will step down Oct. 3 to pursue a position at Occidental College in Los Angeles, according to a news release from the college.
Deputy Chief Fundraising and Engagement Officer Lauren Berutich will serve in Mount’s stead until a successor is named, the release said.
The vice president for advancement role involves leading institutional advancement efforts, including supporting the operations of the FLC Foundation and overseeing fundraising, donor relations, alumni engagement and institutional partnerships to secure resources and financial support for the institution and its missions, according to the college’s website.
Mount has served in the role since 2021, and has been involved with several key projects at the college, according to the release. The projects have included increasing scholarship and support opportunities for students, heading up endowed professorships and launching initiatives like the CU Nursing FLC Collaborative, the release said.
“Melissa has been an incredible partner and colleague, and while we’re sad to see her go we are thrilled for this next chapter in her career,” said Fort Lewis College President Heather Shotton in the release.
Mount is “bittersweet” about the departure.
“What I’ll carry with me most are the relationships – the generous donors, the committed staff and volunteers, and the students who inspire us all to aim higher,” Mount said in the release.
Mount is following former FLC president Tom Stritikus, who took a job as Occidental College as president in 2024 after serving six years at FLC.
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