February 2018 Member Spotlight

Name: Darlene G. Harris-Vasser
Institution: Tennessee State University (TSU)
Position: Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship
ADRP member for 6 years

How long have you worked in donor relations/stewardship and how did you get involved in this profession?

The University had informed us of a planned downsizing, which impacted me as Assistant Director in the Athletic Department. I was invited to apply for a position in the TSU Foundation and that is when I met the new Executive Director of the Foundation, who recognized the need for, and the importance of, having a donor stewardship professional in place. She felt that this position would definitely impact TSU’s fundraising efforts. That was in 2010; I joined ADRP two or three years later.

Could you tell us something about the organization you work for?

I work for Tennessee State University, a four-year, land-grant, public institution of higher education, located in Nashville, TN. Tennessee State University’s motto is: “Think. Work. Serve,” and our blood runs blue.

What do you like most about being a member of the ADRP?

The support available to members online and the regional conferences. Very rewarding.

What is your greatest donor relations/stewardship achievement?

My greatest achievement in this position was getting the university family to become actively involved in stewardship activities and having the upper-level administration begin to recognize the impact.

What is the most important professional goal you are currently pursuing?

The most important professional goal I am currently pursuing is to become executive director of my own educational learning center for under-served youth.

How big a role does the use of social media play in your work?

Social media is growing rapidly within our organization, in some areas more than others. In the Foundation, we are seeing the impact it has on our fundraising and stewardship activities, especially more engagement with our younger alumni.

Is there a resource that you would recommend to other ADRP members?

The 4 Pillars of Donor Relations, by Lynne Wester, has been a wonder for me. The ADRP website is also awesome!

If you would be interested in being featured in this column or have someone you would like to suggest, please contact Dianne Dyslin, Member Spotlight editor.