David Clithero (’83) joined the Truman State University Foundation Board in August of 2020.

Originally from Vandalia, Mo., Clithero arrived on the Truman campus—then Northeast Missouri State University—in the fall of 1978 and upon graduation started his career in University Advancement at his alma mater. Over a period of nearly 30 years, Clithero worked in a variety of roles at Truman, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Missouri-Columbia in the areas of alumni relations, annual giving, planned giving and governmental relations. He retired in 2014 from Mizzou as associate vice chancellor for Development and then began a second career at Hawthorn Bank as vice president for relationship development.

As a student, Clithero was a member of the Student Senate, Residence Life, Blue Key, Delta Chi Fraternity, and Missouri State Government Internship Program. Clithero and his wife, Ellen Williams (’98), reside in Columbia, Mo., where they are active members in the Crossing Church. Clithero also serves on the boards of the Rotary Club of Columbia, Heart of Missouri United Way, Young Life, and the organizing committee of Columbia’s 1M Cups Community. He also served as chair of the Mid-Missouri Regional Campaign Team during Truman’s $40 million “Pursue the Future” campaign.

Clithero is a proud stepfather of two sons, Shawn and Scott Piland, and grandfather to six grandchildren.