Aligning advancement and college engagement with Elizabeth Bass

Apologies for the late posting of this episode! We had some technical difficulties but are glad to finally get this out to you all.

What happens when a university shifts from a decentralized to a centralized model of alumni engagement?

In this episode of Alumless, Ryan and Chris sit down with Elizabeth Bass, Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), to explore the shifting alignments impacting college and school engagement. Elizabeth shares the catalysts behind the change, the challenges of building trust, and the strategies she’s used to reassure unit leaders while strengthening collaboration. From staffing models to new technologies and the challenge of delivering metrics and setting goals, Elizabeth provides a candid look at how VCU is reimagining engagement across colleges and units.

She also reflects on what’s worked, what’s surprised her, and where she sees alumni engagement headed in the next five years. Plus, don’t miss the Friday Cheers segment on the podcast edition as the hosts and Elizabeth share what they’re celebrating this week.

Thanks to our presenting sponsors, Protopia, AlumniQ, and Givzey, for supporting Alumless.