BYU’s Keith Vorkink Begins New Role As Advancement VP Which Oversees Athletics

PROVO, Utah – Brigham Young University has appointed Keith Vorkink to be the school’s new Advancement Vice President. An important role at the faith-based institution as the Advancement Vice President oversees BYU Athletics.

Vorkink replaces Matthew O. Richardson who has been called to serve as a mission president for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Minnesota Minneapolis Mission.

Along with overseeing BYU Athletics, Vorkink will also oversee Alumni and External Relations, and BYU Broadcasting.

“As a nationally recognized scholar in business, Keith is well qualified to direct our Advancement areas,” said BYU President Kevin J. Worthen. “He has been involved in leading BYU Marriott’s National Advisory Council, working with hundreds of business leaders to advance the school’s mission. Additionally, he is known for student-centric work throughout his career, magnifying our inspiring learning initiatives in his teaching, research, and leadership.”

Vorkink began his role as BYU’s Advancement VP on Monday. Prior to being appointed as VP, Vorkink was Brigham Young University’s Associate Dean in the Marriott School of Business where he held that role since 2013.

A graduate of BYU in the class of 1994, Vorkink earned his master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Rochester. In BYU’s press release announcing Vorkink, President Worthen noted that Vorkink was a former basketball player at Snow College.

Vorkink has held faculty positions in the finance departments at Bryant College and at the Sloan School of Management at MIT. His research focus has been on the intersection of behavioral economics and asset pricing.

Other moves in BYU administration

Last month, Cougar Club Director Mike Middleton moved from his role in the Cougar Club to join J. Reuben Clark Law School as assistant dean of external relations. Dr. Mikaela Dufur has been hired as an Associate Dean, Dr. Dufur had previously been teaching in the department of Sociology for nearly 20 years.

Last 25 Years of BYU Advancement Vice Presidents 

Keith Vorkink (2020-PRESENT)

Matthew O. Richardson (2014-2020)

Kevin J. Worthen (2008-2014)

K. Fred Skousen (1998-2008)

R.J. Snow (1994-1998)

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.