by Collin Brunner B.S.H.E.S. ’10, Annual Member

What does membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association mean to you?

The association’s mission, “To Connect and Serve the University of Arkansas Family,” demonstrates that we have a lifelong relationship with our alma mater and that when we actively connect with fellow alumni and campus, we strengthen ourselves and the University. Membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association is an investment and commitment to this mission and the belief that a strong alumni network can impact our alma mater.

Which membership benefits are most important to you?

Without a doubt, Arkansas magazine is my most valued member benefit. Since my career has taken me to Oregon and Kentucky, I look forward to reading about campus news and accolades while keeping up with fellow alumni and the news of the Alumni Association.

What was your favorite Arkansas Alumni Association activity or event?

I had the pleasure of working on staff for the Alumni Association for ten years and was blessed to be able to participate in so many events and activities. I never considered it work because I was always surrounded by loyal alumni who love the U of A. My first position was working with our alumni chapters, and now I have the opportunity to reconnect with alumni and Razorback fans from time to time when I can attend chapter events in Nashville.

What made you choose the University of Arkansas?

I found my way to the University of Arkansas thanks to the help and encouragement of my high school agricultural sciences teacher, Kim Jones. Her father, the late Dr. Nolan Arthur, was chair of the Department of Agricultural & Extension Education at the time. Both helped me navigate the process as a first-generation college student. They helped me see that I could find my smaller community in my major, student groups, and college to help me realize that there was a support network waiting to help me be successful as a student.

What is your favorite place or memory from your time on campus?

When I visit the campus, I walk around campus to see what all has changed and also find my name listed on Senior Walk. I have many memories from my time as a student and staff member that are rekindled each time I visit. My most memorable experience was being a part of the Division of University Advancement when the Walton family announced their 300 Million Dollar commitment, the largest to any public institution at the time, was monumental. I got to see first-hand how that gift transformed campus and inspired alumni to take pride and invest in the university in their own way. The trajectory of the university changed on the day of that announcement, and I take pride in knowing that I got to be there and be part of the University Advancement team during that time.

Did you have a mentor, class, or activity that enhanced your campus experience?

An individual who I consider a mentor, colleague, and friend, Dr. Melissa Pianalto, helped me through the recruitment process as a high school student. As a student, she always encouraged me and others to take an active role and pursue student involvement activities with our specific college. This encouragement created the opportunity for me to serve as a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board. As a member of the advisory board, I also was named the student representative on the committee to rededicate the College of Agriculture and Home Economics as the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences. I still consider this among the top honors of my college experience. I went on to serve as a student ambassador for Bumpers College and also worked as a student in the Dean’s office. This connection to the Dean’s office created an opportunity to serve as a graduate assistant helping with student recruitment for the college after I completed my undergraduate degree. This position launched my career in student recruitment and then transitioned to alumni engagement and higher education advancement.

I also consider the former Executive Director of the Arkansas Alumni Association, Mike Macechko, as a mentor. Mike poured into me as a young professional and encouraged me to pursue new ideas and initiatives to engage alumni from all eras. He helped me develop as an advancement professional and always invested in my growth. I now have the opportunity to pay it forward by mentoring colleagues and my own team members as he did for me.

What degree program did you complete, and what did your time at the University of Arkansas mean to you?

My undergraduate degree is in Agricultural Education, and my master’s degree and doctorate are in Higher Education Administration. My time on campus helped me expand my horizons and have the confidence to lead my own journey. My experience in and out of the classroom led me to where I am today and gave me the knowledge and ability to be a leader.

How did the University of Arkansas prepare you for your career?

While I’m not working in the field of agriculture or as a high school agricultural sciences teacher, my undergraduate experience provided me with so much more than the technical skills I needed. As a student, I learned many soft skills and other transferrable skills from my major that have helped me in my career in higher education. Obviously, my master’s degree and doctorate more directly relate to my career in higher education advancement, and I credit the faculty of that program who helped each student develop a plan to prepare them for their specific career objectives.

How do you/will you introduce the University of Arkansas to the next generation of Arkansas Razorbacks?

Any opportunity I have, I share my story with any student considering the U of A. I let them know about the exceptional education, beautiful campus, dedicated faculty and staff, and the tradition and pride of what it means to be a Razorback.

Why is mentoring important?

Sharing my career insights and feedback as a professional helps students connect what they are learning with how to best prepare themselves for success. When students take an active role in networking, they create the opportunity to find individuals with whom they build a mentoring relationship. Mentors are someone you can trust to give you advice and feedback that you grow as an individual and professional. I take every opportunity to visit with students and young alumni about what I learned through my career journey and what I see as a leader and manager in my profession.