Kimberly Thornbury leaves King’s for a new job on the West Coast

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust provides grant funding for nonprofit projects and organizations across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Montanna. || Photo courtesy of Murdock Trust

Dr. Kimberly Thornbury has left her position at The King’s College to pursue a new line of work.

Thornbury has spent 25 years working in Christian higher education. During her time at King's, she served as Vice President for Institutional Research, Strategic Planning, Enrollment Management, and Communication. Thornbury now works as the Senior Program Director for Enrichment Initiatives with M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust in Vancouver, Washington.

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust provides grant funding for nonprofit projects and organizations across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Montanna. According to Thornbury, the Trust passed $1 billion in giving this year and annually provides over $50 million in grants to organizations that strengthen the Pacific Northwest's educational, social, spiritual and cultural base in sustainable ways. 

President Gibson said that Thornbury’s departure from King’s is both surprising and unsurprising. Recognizing the blessing she has been to the college, he realizes why she would be desired elsewhere. 

“She is a very accomplished professional, with tremendous credentials and experience in higher education,” President Gibson said to the EST. “Her expertise is recognized and well respected.” 

Thornbury’s departure to Murdock Trust came as a surprise to Gibson given the majority of her professional career has been in Christian higher education. The second surprise to him was timing. These changes occurred less than two weeks before the start of the fall semester.  

“Higher education has a very predictable rhythm and to have such a key member of the staff depart just prior to the beginning of an academic year introduces some challenges,” President Gibson said. 

Thornbury was offered the position at Murdock on August 7, one hour before she would lead her three-day team retreat with King’s. She told President Gibson five days later, and the rest of the staff found out the following week. August 16, was her final day in the office. 

“I will be working with the college through September to ensure the smoothest transition possible to a new structure,” Thornbury said. 

Kimberly Thornbury has left her position at The King’s College, after 25 years of working in Christian higher education. || Photo courtesy of M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

Thornbury pledged her desire to help with the transition. According to President Gibson, Thornbury’s leaving did not create a panic. 

Eric Bennett, previous Vice President of Student Development at King’s, immediately stepped up to take Thronbury’s position. 

“His professional expertise uniquely qualifies him to serve as our Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Development,” President Gibson said. 

Thornbury left the city permanently on August 19, to move to Vancouver, WA with her 16-year-old daughter Carolyn. Thornbury’s husband, former president of The King’s College, stayed behind to continue in his position at The New York Academy of Art.  

President Gibson spoke for The King’s College when he said, “We sincerely pray for a smooth and successful transition for her and her family.”

“I will remain one of the college's biggest advocates, even as I look ahead to this exciting next step with the wonderful team at the Murdock Trust,” Thornbury said.