Hilbert College has appointed Marty Blind as its new Director of Advancement, effective April 14. Blind currently serves as a Major Gifts Officer at St. Bonaventure University, where he has built a strong record of cultivating philanthropic relationships and advancing institutional fundraising goals.
In this role, Blind will lead the College’s advancement strategy, focusing on major gifts, donor engagement, and long-term philanthropic growth. His experience and leadership align with Hilbert’s commitment to strengthening its development efforts and expanding opportunities for students.
“We are excited to welcome Marty to Hilbert College,” said Michael R. Cornell, Interim President. “His proven ability to build meaningful relationships and drive results will be instrumental as we continue to grow our advancement initiatives and support the College’s future.”
Blind’s appointment comes at a pivotal time, as Hilbert College has announced an institutional realignment focused on strengthening academic innovation, expanding industry partnerships, and positioning the College for long-term success.
As part of this forward-looking approach, Hilbert has launched new academic initiatives, welcomed key leadership, refreshed its strategic plan, and introduced hands-on learning partnerships designed to connect students directly with professional experiences.
A centerpiece of this momentum is a new partnership with Heard of Buffalo, integrating professional production teams into Hilbert’s campus studio environment. Beginning in early 2026, students in the Digital Media and Communication program participate in immersive sessions covering professional camera operation, lighting, live and pre-produced workflows, creative development, editing, and on-camera performance.
This collaboration provides students with direct access to real production environments, including live shows, digital content creation, commercial shoots, and social media storytelling. Faculty work alongside industry professionals to identify students for ongoing production labs, helping them build professional portfolios and career-ready experience before graduation.
In February 2026, Hilbert also launched the Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence (IAAI), an interdisciplinary initiative designed to prepare students and working professionals to engage thoughtfully with artificial intelligence. The Institute emphasizes ethical application, human impact, and critical thinking, equipping learners to navigate and lead in an AI-driven world.
The Institute includes a six-week Applied Artificial Intelligence micro-credential for working professionals, led by Anthony DeSimone, as well as a new AI and Society minor available to undergraduate students across all disciplines.
Hilbert’s renewed direction is further supported by an updated institutional strategic plan, which outlines a clear path forward focused on innovation, student success, and community impact. The plan reinforces the College’s commitment to aligning academic offerings with workforce needs while maintaining its mission-driven foundation.
To support this evolution, Hilbert has also strengthened its senior leadership team with several key appointments, including Scott Briell as Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Lisa Ressman as Controller. A national search for Provost is currently underway, with candidates visiting campus this month.
“Hilbert College is not simply adapting to change. We are shaping what comes next,” said Cornell. “Every program we refine, every partnership we build, and every decision we make is grounded in one goal: preparing students not just to enter the workforce, but to lead it. We are creating an environment where innovation is expected, values are non-negotiable, and experience is earned. This is how we move with intention, positioning Hilbert as a place where students do not just keep up with the future, they define it.”
This strategic realignment reflects Hilbert’s continued commitment to evolving as an institution, strengthening its academic portfolio, and creating meaningful opportunities for students through experiential learning and industry collaboration.
