My mother was a first-generation college student who received a scholarship to attend Saint Luke’s School of Nursing in Kansas City. She taught my sister and me that education and a generous spirit are life changing. Because of her teaching, I chose a career in higher education advancement and communications.

Communicating the value of education, unleashing the power of philanthropy in support of it, and building relationships to sustain it are the essence of my professional career. I truly believe the power of philanthropy transcends the work we do to produce it by meaningfully touching people’s lives. I approach communication, marketing and branding with a collaborative focus because inspiring and empowering brand ambassadors is the key to creating life-long partners. A strong network of community partners provides access to pulse points that gauge an institution’s brand equity and, more importantly, if the institution really is delivering on its promises.

I began my higher education career in 1987 at the University of Missouri-Columbia where I served in all areas of institutional advancement during my 19-year tenure. From 2006 to 2015, I worked at Columbia College as executive director of development, alumni and public relations, successfully leading its largest fundraising campaign and re-branding efforts. Most recently, I served as director of internal communications at the University of Missouri System, where I was responsible for providing strategy, leadership and coordination for internal communications, coordinated branding initiatives and worked with system and campus leaders to create strategic communications plans, programs and initiatives.

In addition to higher education, my marketing, public relations and fundraising background also includes healthcare, the arts and human services. I am a member of the board of directors for the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre and the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.