Laurette L. Hankins has been promoted to associate dean for development and alumni relations at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. She had been the music conservatory's director of development and alumni relations since January 1996. Under her leadership, Peabody raised $32.2 million during the recently completed Johns Hopkins Initiative campaign, exceeding Peabody's original goal of $20 million.

A 1976 graduate of Duke University, Hankins previously served in development positions at Fordham University, Towson State University and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Formerly a professional singer and actress, Hankins has appeared in stage and film productions in Washington, D.C., and New York City. Upon her return to Maryland in the mid-1990s, Hankins was a featured soloist in the Maryland Arts Festival's Superstar Galas of 1995 and 1996.

She lives in Severna Park, Md., with her husband, attorney Kevin O'Connell, and stepsons, Patrick and Daniel.

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