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Carol Packard
Associate Vice President, Alumni Affairs and Development
Professional Background
Carol Packard is an influential leader in the field of higher education, demonstrating remarkable expertise in alumni affairs, development, and strategic partnership management. With a career spanning several prestigious institutions, Carol has made significant impacts at both Cornell University and Penn State University. Her journey in academia started at Penn State University, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in English followed by a Master’s in Higher Education Administration. Her academic background laid a solid foundation for her to thrive in various leadership roles within higher educational institutions.
Currently, Carol serves as the Associate Vice President for Colleges and Units at Cornell University, a key position that allows her to oversee and enhance initiatives that strengthen relationships between alumni and their respective colleges. In her current role, she utilizes her extensive knowledge and experience to lead strategic fundraising efforts and foster a sense of community among alumni. Her profound commitment to enhancing the educational experience and community engagement exemplifies her dedication to the mission of Cornell University.
Prior to her current role, Carol played a pivotal role as the Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs and Development and the Executive Director of University Parents Giving at Cornell University. In these capacities, she successfully built programs that encouraged parental engagement and alumni giving, strengthening the financial support for various academic programs. Her ability to connect with alumni and families has been a hallmark of her career, showcasing her unique skill set in development and fundraising.
Carol’s career at Penn State University is equally impressive. She held several key positions, including Director of Development and Alumni Relations for the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, where she effectively engaged stakeholders to increase support for the college's initiatives. Furthermore, she served as the Director of Major Gifts for the College of the Liberal Arts and as the Associate Director of Development. In these roles, Carol demonstrated her proficiency in major gift fundraising, leading numerous successful campaigns that have resulted in substantial contributions to the college's growth and development.
Before her dedication to higher education, Carol began her professional journey in the business sector as the Director of Business Development at Snavely Associates and as a Senior Account Executive at AccuWeather. These roles honed her skills in strategic planning and relationship management, experiences that undoubtedly contributed to her later success in the nonprofit and educational sectors. Her diverse professional background provides her with a unique perspective, merging corporate strategies with non-profit and educational models, resulting in innovative approaches to fundraising and alumni relations.
Education and Achievements
Carol holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Penn State University, which underscores her formal training in educational leadership and administration. This advanced knowledge equips her with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of higher education, enabling her to drive impactful initiatives that benefit both students and alumni. Her journey in academia started with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the same esteemed institution, which equipped her with the communication skills essential for effective engagement and persuasion in her development roles.
Throughout her career, Carol has not only excelled in her responsibilities but has also contributed to the overall mission of the universities she has served. Her strategic vision has led to innovative alumni engagement programs, fostering deeper connections between alumni and their alma maters. Through her work, she has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the educational experience, ensuring that alumni remain connected and invested in the future of their institutions.
Notable achievements throughout Carol's career include launching several high-impact fundraising campaigns that have significantly increased alumni contributions and engagement. She has also been recognized for her efforts in developing programs that promote parental involvement, providing essential resources and support for students and enhancing their overall experience.
Achievements
- Strengthening Alumni Relationships: Carol's initiative to enhance alumni relations through innovative programming has resulted in increased engagement and financial support for various university initiatives.
- Successful Fundraising Campaigns: Her strategic fundraising efforts at both Penn State and Cornell have led to millions of dollars in contributions, positively impacting academic programs and student resources.
- Innovative Alumni Programs: Carol has developed and implemented unique programs that connect alumni with current students, leveraging the professional networks of alumni to benefit the next generation.
- Leadership in Academic Development: Carol’s experience and leadership roles have positioned her as an influential figure in higher education, serving as a role model for emerging leaders in the field.
Overall, Carol Packard’s extensive background in higher education administration and development highlights her dedication to fostering relationships that contribute to the success of academic institutions. Her ability to navigate the complexities of alumni engagement and fundraising continues to leave a lasting legacy in the universities she serves.
