DETROIT – Wayne State University is proud to announce that Lyndsey Crum will join Wayne State University as the assistant vice president of Alumni Relations and executive director of the WSU Alumni Association. A national search process facilitated by Talent Citizen included academic deans, university leaders, members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the alumni relations team. Crum begins her new role on Monday, August 19.
“Top universities are demonstrating their value by building partnerships through increased participation with alumni audiences,” said David Ripple, vice president of development and alumni affairs and president of the WSU Foundation. “With this new appointment, Wayne State will strengthen its engagement and communications efforts with the university’s more than 300,000 alumni, a vast majority of whom live in Southeast Michigan.”
During her 10 years as the assistant vice president for alumni and community relations at the University of Northern Colorado (UNCo), Crum helped increase and sustain alumni engagement through strategic data integration, thoughtful engagement and innovative programming, and transformed UNCo into a key workforce and talent generation hub for the state. She previously served seven years in advancement and communications roles at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and in alumni roles at the University of Denver.
Lyndsey herself is a first-generation college graduate with a passion for alumni relations work. In addition to her B.A. in political science from UNCo, she holds a J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and a certificate in professional fundraising from Boston University. She was also recognized for her leadership in higher education by selection for 2022-23 Fulbright Scholar International Education Administrator Program.
In this enhanced role at Wayne State, Crum will provide vision and leadership for alumni programs across the university and will be responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and maintenance of a comprehensive suite of alumni programs, communications, services and volunteer opportunities meant to enhance philanthropic support and increase alumni connection and engagement.
Her work will include facilitating and activating our ambassadors and key supporters to leverage their networks and accelerate social mobility and career placements for our students post-graduation. Taken together, these efforts will build and elevate the alumni experience while simultaneously demonstrating the value of a Wayne State degree to prospective students.
“WSU alumni serve as critical connectors that build partnerships with for profit business and non-profit organizations, which propel university priorities forward and open opportunities for students through internships, mentoring and employment,” said Wayne State President Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy. “As we work to further support the university’s Prosperity Agenda, and implement our College to Career initiative, I look forward to seeing Lyndsey bring her expertise in career readiness, external relations, communications, and engagement to help ignite enthusiasm from our countless alumni partners.”