Filled with infectious energy and a passion for his new post as Virginia Commonwealth University’s assistant vice president for university alumni relations, Gordon McDougall lays claim to having the “best job on campus.”
A first-generation college student, McDougall understands the transformational nature of higher education and he relishes his role in exploring opportunities to create alumni programs that can have a positive impact on — and make a positive contribution to — others’ lives.
“My job is to help people understand how we can build support for higher education,” said McDougall, who brings 26 years of senior experience in higher and secondary education and in corporate sales to VCU. “I believe that higher education is the key that unlocks doors to opportunities. This is particularly true at VCU where many students are the first in their families to receive college degrees.”
The engagement, participation and involvement of alumni play a critical role in supporting key initiatives that support student success. VCU, however, has grown so quickly — from facilities and programs to student enrollment — that McDougall sees opportunities for the university to develop a larger alumni support network.
Since arriving on campus in early January, McDougall has talked with “hundreds and hundreds” of students, alumni and faculty as the Office of Alumni Relations assesses and evaluates alumni programs and participation.
“While I was aware of our reputation as a transformational university, conversations with students, alumni and faculty have helped me understand even more about the history, depth and breadth of the university’s impact and contributions,” McDougall said.
In addition to these exchanges, more than 4,100 Monroe Park Campus alumni made their voices heard in a recent survey and, by the end of the summer, a survey of alumni from the MCV Campus will be complete. As the basis for the start of a strategic plan for VCU’s alumni associations, the survey results will be combined with feedback received from graduates during a May symposium on the role alumni play in shaping the future of VCU.
“Active, dues-paying members of our alumni associations have the opportunity to share and realize the university’s goals through their support and participation,” McDougall said.
Alumni involvement enhances the quality and value of a VCU degree and the contributions that future graduates will make to their alma mater, he added. “I feel privileged and honored to be offered the chance to join the VCU family” and to help others experience the value of higher education.
