Philanthropy professionals will often say, “It’s all about relationships!” For the most part, they are referring to the externally focused relationships that exist between the university and alumni, friends, and donors. But equally important to the success of any philanthropy and alumni engagement program are the internal relationships that philanthropy professionals must cultivate with their academic counterparts. Deans and department heads play a critical role in the success of the development cycle, and there are several ways that current and aspiring academic administrators may seek fruitful partnerships with their colleagues in philanthropy and alumni engagement.
Reciprocity over Hierarchy: Designing and Implementing a Student-Led Reverse Mentoring Program
Many academic leaders, including administrators and faculty members, participate in traditional mentoring programs that prioritize hierarchy. But these programs typically don’t foster engagement and connection between students and faculty or
Marquita Lyons-Smith and Keva Suitte
October 19, 2026
