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ASU Lodestar Center welcomes Levi Colton as Director of Programs and Social Impact
July 24, 2024 — The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation welcomes Levi Colton as its Director of Programs and Social Impact. In this new role at the ASU Lodestar Center, Levi will oversee the Center’s suite of programs for nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, drive innovation in the portfolio, develop new offerings to meet the needs of the sector, and help the Center grow its impact globally.
Levi joins the ASU Lodestar Center after 17 years with ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, most recently as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation within its Learning Enterprise unit. He led the college’s non-credit portfolio, brought innovative programs to market, and built a reputation as a solutions-oriented social entrepreneur. He also collaborated with nonprofit healthcare organizations on custom programming across in-person and online modalities, and he looks forward to building connections with the Center’s nonprofit partners in Arizona and beyond.
A two-time alumnus of Arizona State University — with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling — Levi is deeply committed to the missions of the university, the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, and the ASU Lodestar Center.
“It is a dream come true to join the ASU Lodestar Center team, an amazing group of learners, staff, instructors, and leaders doing work that profoundly impacts our community,” said Levi. “I look forward to joining their efforts, rolling up my sleeves, and doing the hard yet meaningful work.”
In addition to leading the continuing education and professional development portfolio within the Center’s Nonprofit Management Institute, Levi will oversee other ASU Lodestar Center programs like Public Allies Arizona, Experience Matters, Best Skills Best Churches, and more. He will develop strategies to align programs, foster collaboration, and cultivate community relationships for even greater impact.
“Acquiring the right talent to advance our Center’s new strategic direction is essential to achieving desired results,” said Dr. Robert Ashcraft, executive director of the ASU Lodestar Center and Saguaro Professor Civic Enterprise. “We are excited that Levi has joined our exemplary team to help advance our full suite of capacity building programs that do so much to improve community well-being,” Ashcraft added.
Levi’s ties to the nonprofit sector extend back to his time with Mountain Park Health Center, where he completed his counseling practicum as a graduate student. His work in that space helped shape his philosophy of putting people first, which later led him to co-chair the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Council at ASU’s Edson College.
About the ASU Lodestar Center
Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation educates, empowers and connects nonprofit leaders to accelerate social impact. Housed within ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions and its School of Community Resources and Development, the ASU Lodestar Center believes that the quality of life in communities is enriched with impactful philanthropy and effective nonprofit leadership. For 25 years, the ASU Lodestar Center has provided education, research, practical tools and convenings for nonprofit professionals, philanthropists and volunteers who seek to solve problems and realize their communities’ highest aspirations.