Bay Path Welcomes Mary-Knight ‘MK’ Bell Young as VP of Institutional Advancement
MK Young
LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University announced the appointment of Mary-Knight “MK” Bell Young to the position of vice president of Institutional Advancement. With more than 20 years of experience in securing philanthropic investments for prestigious academic, cultural, and healthcare institutions, Young brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to her new role.
In this leadership position, she will oversee all aspects of Bay Path’s fundraising efforts, alumni relations, and strategic partnerships. Her role will be crucial in advancing the university’s mission and ensuring sustained growth and support for its programs and initiatives.
Young joins Bay Path University after serving as chief Development officer and senior executive director at the UMass Amherst Foundation, where she led a comprehensive, $100 million fundraising campaign for the UMass College of Engineering, securing more than $60.7 million to date. Her career highlights include securing the college’s first eight-figure gift and achieving 100% participation in annual giving for two consecutive years from the Dean’s Advisory Council.
Her previous roles include senior director of Development at Penn Medicine, where she was instrumental in securing more than $26 million during the Power of Penn campaign, and Major Gifts officer at Temple University Health System, where she played a key role in securing the naming gift for the Lewis Katz School of Heath. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history of art from the University of Pennsylvania.
“Mary-Knight’s extensive experience and success in development and alumni relations make her a perfect fit for Bay Path,” university President Sandra Doran said. “Her leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and impact in higher education and, with the acquisition of Cambridge College, embrace and support the newest members of the Bay Path family, our Cambridge College alumni.”
