CONTINUING THE WORK.
Everywhere we look, there is work to be done... - Barack Obama
OUR PATH FORWARD
CURRENT STATUS
The National Alumni Association is entering a critical transition period. It will requires clarity, consistency, and a shared commitment to operating in alignment with the University and the expectations outlined in the MOU and UNC System guidelines.
Over the next term, we will coninue to focus on strengthening our foundation by standardizing financial practices, governance structures, and reporting processes across all chapters and regions. This work is not about restriction of chapters, but about positioning the Association for long-term sustainability, strengthening our partnership with the University, and ensuring we are operating with accountability under the updated mandatory guidelines.
Along with the executive team, I have already begun this work. We have started our collaboration meetings with both Institutional Advancement and General Counsel and are in process of creating a blueprint for chapters to be rolled out statrting in June 2026.
We have also cultivated a strong and solid working relationship with University Administration, allowing us to be engaged in productive conversations about our path forward.
MEMBERSHIP & IMPACT
Association Membership should more than a transaction. It should be a commitment to the continued growth and success of North Carolina Central University and the students who follow us.
As President, I consistently champion membership and will continue to lead a renewed focus on growing and activating our financial membership by clearly connecting participation to purpose.
Alumni will understand exactly how their membership supports:
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Student scholarships and universtiy support
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Alumni-led programming and student engagement initiatives
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The long-term sustainability and strength of our Association
We will simplify and strengthen the membership experience by:
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Promoting the “Are You All In?” membership model across our alumni base
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Providing chapters with tools and campaigns to drive local membership growth and engagement
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Providing resources and incentives for financial members
This is about shifting the mindset from obligation to ownership.
Because when more of us show up—financially and actively—we expand what’s possible for our students and for our University.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Student Success is at the core of the University strategic plan. We will continue to strengthen the connection between alumni and students by creating intentional, year-round engagement opportunities. From guided mentorship and career exposure to on-campus presence, recruiting, and alumni-led programming. Our students can't just know we exist, they need to feel our impact.
Under my leadership we have strenghtend our relationship with Student Engagement and Leadership and the Career Planning and Development Center to create additional opportunities for alumni engagement with our students. Strong working relationships are vital to our impact on student success.
STUDENT TO ALUMNI PIPELINE
We will intentionally bridge the gap between graduation and alumni engagement ensuring students transition into active, connected alumni from day one.
Engagement doesn’t start after graduation, it starts before. Consistent campus presence and partnership with the Pre-Alumni Association will be essential to post-graduation membership.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH & NETWORKING
Our alumni network is one of our greatest untapped assets, and it should be working for us every single day.
As President, I will prioritize creating intentional opportunities for career advancement, connection, and professional development across all stages of the alumni journey, from recent graduates to seasoned professionals.
We will do this by:
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Launching structured alumni networking opportunities
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Creating career-focused programming including panels, workshops, and leadership conversations
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Leveraging alumni expertise to provide mentorship, coaching, and access to opportunity
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Expanding virtual engagement to connect alumni regardless of location
We will also focus on strengthening the bridge between students and alumni by:
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Connecting students with alumni in their fields of interest
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Supporting young alumni as they transition into their professional lives
ALIGNED FOR SUSTAINABILITY
For our Association to truly grow and thrive, we must be built on a foundation that is structured, consistent, and aligned with the strategic goals of the University we proudly represent.
As President, I will continue the work of prioritizing an Alumni Association that operates with clarity, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
This means aligning our operations with the expectations outlined in our partnership with the University and the UNC System, while also creating consistency across chapters and regions. Every chapter should have a clear understanding of how we operate, how decisions are made, and how we collectively move forward.
We will focus on:
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Establishing consistent financial, governance, and reporting practices across all chapters and regions
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Strengthening operational infrastructure to support transparency and accountability
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Implementing clear communication and decision-making processes
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Ensuring compliance in a way that is understood, supported, and achievable
This work is about equipping our chapters and members with the tools, training, and guidance needed so that every chapter can operate effectively under our updated structure with confidence.
Sustainability also requires forward-thinking leadership. We will:
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Build systems that outlast individual leadership terms
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Strengthen leadership transitions and continuity planning
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Create opportunities for emerging leaders to step in and grow
I will continue to lead with openness, collaboration, and accountability - creating space for alumni voices to be heard and valued.