UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Amber Redmond is the new director of alumni relations for Penn State World Campus. Redmond stepped into her new role on February 3, after more than six years as an admissions counselor for Penn State World Campus and as a development assistant in the Office of Gift Planning within the Division of Development and Alumni Relations for Penn State.
“When I was a development assistant, I collaborated with individuals from various units across the University as they worked with donors,” Redmond said. “My favorite part of the job was hearing the ‘why’ behind those gifts because I could always relate to the donors’ passion for Penn State.”
Redmond is a two-time Penn State alumna. She earned her master’s degree in public administration through Penn State World Campus, and she earned a bachelor's in management through the Smeal College of Business, with a minor in labor studies and employment relations.
“The challenges associated with this position really excite me, which I know sounds a bit odd,” Redmond said. “There are some unique hurdles that will require strategic planning, as our alumni are from all over the world, but this is a trend that I only see increasing in the future as learning online becomes more prevalent.”
Redmond said her vision for taking the program forward is still a work in progress.
“I want to spend my first few months gathering information to gain a better understanding of what’s been attempted before, what ideas can be incorporated, and then share those with our alumni moving forward,” she said.
Spencer Lewis, director of development and alumni relations for Penn State Outreach and Online Education, said Redmond’s professional experience gives her a unique insight into her new role.
“Amber has spent a significant amount of time working with Penn State World Campus students, alumni, and donors,” Lewis said. “We are excited to have her join us, especially given the strong relationships she has built within World Campus and her firsthand understanding of the online learning environment and the journey from prospective student to learner to alumna or alumnus.”