Bob Beumer
Vice President of University Advancement
Email: [email protected]Phone: 316-942-4291 ext. 2471
Bob Beumer joined Newman University as the Vice President of University Advancement in May 2021. With nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, Beumer brings extensive knowledge to Newman's advancement efforts.
He previously served at St. Cloud State University for 14 years, as Executive Director of Development. Beumer's career began in collegiate athletics before transitioning to academic fundraising.
As a lifelong Catholic, he is passionate about contributing to faith-based higher education and aligning donors' priorities with the university's goals.
Beumer holds a Bachelor's in Journalism and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a certificate in nonprofit executive leadership from Indiana University.
At Newman, Beumer is dedicated to elevating the university's advancement efforts to benefit current students, faculty and staff, alumni and overall support the institution and its strategic.
Samuel Hersh
Senior Development Officer for Athletics
Email: [email protected]Phone: 316-942-4291 ext. 2209
Samuel Hersh joined Newman University as Senior Development Officer for Athletics in 2024. A Newman alumnus and former student-athlete, Hersh brings a unique perspective to his role in Advancement.
Prior to returning to Newman, he gained valuable experience at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) athletics department, focusing on compliance and name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights.
Hersh's responsibilities include engaging alumni, developing donor relationships, and spearheading community outreach efforts, particularly for a new outdoor athletics facility project. His passion for Newman and expertise in collegiate athletics uniquely position him to advance the university's fundraising initiatives and enhance its NCAA Division II athletic programs. Hersh holds a degree from Newman University and is committed to leveraging his experiences to benefit his alma mater and its student-athletes.
Laura Hartley
Director of Advancement Services and Annual Giving Institutional Advancement
Email: [email protected]Phone: 316-942-4291 ext. 2161
Laura Hartley began her career at Newman University in 2018 as the events manager. Since then, she has transitioned to spearheading our annual giving program and coordinating our data management.
A lifelong Wichitan and the daughter of a Newman alum, Laura is committed to helping Newman University thrive by engaging alumni and supporters through communications that focus on student stories and events that celebrate the uniqueness of Newman University.
Prior to coming to Newman, Laura spent a decade at the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame where among other things, she traveled the state telling the stories of great Kansas athletes. She has undergraduate degrees in history and political science and a masters in public history.
Dana Beitey
Director of Alumni Relations
Email: [email protected]Phone: 316-942-4291 ext. 2173
Dana Beitey joined Newman University's University Advancement team as Director of Alumni Relations in March 2021.
Previously, she served as Content Marketing Coordinator for NU University Relations for five years. Beitey brings a wealth of experience in building relationships within the Newman community, having interviewed and written about alumni, staff, and faculty extensively. She holds a bachelor's degree in integrated marketing communication from Wichita State University and has prior experience in customer service, communication roles at Bank of America, and as events coordinator for Starkey Inc. In her role, Beitey focuses on maintaining strong university-alumni connections, developing engagement programs like the Navigator Alumni Mentorship program, and creating new initiatives such as an alumni newsletter and spotlight features.
Her familiarity with the Newman community and passion for fostering relationships uniquely position her to strengthen the bond between the university and its alumni.
Meagan MacDonald
Events Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Meagan Macdonald joined Newman University as Events Coordinator in June 2026. She brings a background in experience design, event planning, and community engagement, along with a passion for creating meaningful experiences that foster connection and belonging.
A graduate of Brigham Young University, Meagan earned her degree in Experience Design and Management. During her studies, she developed expertise in design thinking, experiential marketing, event planning, and data-driven decision making. While working for the Sorensen Center for Moral and Ethical Leadership, she coordinated campus outreach events, collaborated with student organizations and university departments, and developed engaging programs that encouraged student involvement and leadership development.
Meagan is passionate about creating experiences that bring people together and foster meaningful connections. She is excited to support Newman University's mission and contribute to the vibrant community that makes Newman a welcoming and engaging place for all.
Bryn Kovacic
Major Gifts Officer
Email: [email protected]Phone: 316-942-4291 ext. 2165
Bryn Kovacic joined Newman University as the Major Gifts Officer in February 2025. She started her career in higher education in early 2023 when she joined the Academic & Student Affairs Office at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita. She later transitioned from working with medical students to working with resident doctors by accepting a program coordinator position. Prior to her time at KU Med, she worked in combined customer service, communications, and marketing roles at a large local law firm in Wichita.
As a born and raised Wichitan and a member of St. Catherine of Siena parish, Bryn looks forward to building relationships and contributing to the growth and success of Newman University.
Michael "Mick" Cayless
Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer
Email: [email protected]Phone: 316-942-4291 ext. 2470
Michael "Mick" Cayless serves as the Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer in the Newman University Institutional Advancement Office. Originally from Loughborough, England, Mick brings extensive fundraising and grant-writing experience, paired with a deep commitment to Newman's mission and values.
In his role, Mick focuses on strengthening relationships with corporate partners and foundations, aiming to enhance funding for the university’s vital initiatives.
Before joining Newman, Mick worked with several Wichita organizations in their development offices. He also volunteered for more than a decade in prison ministry at the El Dorado Correctional Facility, providing mentorship to inmates as part of a faith-driven outreach program. Mick received his undergraduate degree from Leeds University in Yorkshire, England.
Outside of work, Mick enjoys photography, motorcycle riding and renovating his home. He is also a lifelong fan of English Premier League soccer.