Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Business has named alumna Sara (Stroud) Colvin, ‘98, ’05, as its new director of development. She assumes her new role on Nov. 13 with 15 years of experience in the fields of communication and fundraising.
Since receiving both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SIUE, Colvin has worked at the USO of Missouri, ’62 Sports Group, Inc., Clear Channel Entertainment (Live Nation) and Northwestern Mutual and Clear Channel Radio. Colvin found the director’s position extremely appealing.
“The opportunity to come home was key,” said Colvin. “SIUE provided my start in the professional world.”
“The School of Business is thrilled to have Sara on board,” said School of Business Interim Dean John Navin. “She brings a wealth of experience to our director of development position. Her experience in the St. Louis area combined with her SIUE background puts her in a unique position to promote the school’s alumni relations.”
Once in the position, Colvin hopes to engage alumni and foster relationships between them and current students. “I would like to create new and inventive ways to engage alumni that will allow them to experience what it means to be a current SIUE School of Business student,” she said.
Having been in a similar position at the USO, Colvin is excited about working with students, alumni and area businesses. An active community member, she is involved with the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce, SIUE Alumni Association, Community Service Public Relations Council and the Ed/Glen Young Professionals Group.
Within her role as director of development, Colvin plans to use those connections to benefit the School. “The higher education environment is much larger than my previous roles,” she said. “I am excited about the opportunity to work within a larger network of resources and people at SIUE.”
Colvin joins the school after Marilyn Marsho’s retirement this past March.