Listening to your alumni community will help you approach your work in a dynamic and innovative way, so they feel seen and supported.

Stay connected to the mission and purpose of your institution. This is a tough job but we do this work to change the world.

Lead with curiosity, not just ambition. Take the time to really understand people—their stories, motivations, and what makes them feel connected.

This industry is based on relationships. Each person you meet along the way can teach you something. Be open to new ideas and always keep learning.

Stay the course, iterate on what works, and remember that a ‘no’ or radio silence usually isn’t about you—it’s about timing, priorities, or competing demands.

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Find an organization whose mission you believe in, never stop learning, and always lead with the question "How does this serve and strengthen our community?"

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Be curious, be authentic, and listen more than you talk. Alumni want to feel seen, valued, and remembered—not just asked for support.

Always keep learning! As I noted before, our industry does not have a degree of study - we have to craft our own learning path and prioritize it!

Advancement is full of great narratives, but the real magic happens when you understand how the data, tools, and processes behind the scenes actually work.

Change is inevitable, but it can be a good thing. The key is knowing who needs to buy into it and how much time you spend collaborating to help people cross that bridge.

Fundraising works best when no one feels like they’re doing it alone.

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"Just Ask!" and keep asking until you've asked at least seven times.

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Get to know what other universities are doing! Learn from what is working for them and how you can apply it to your institution in your own way.

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Understand the value of your time!

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