Vice President for Institutional Advancement Nan Perkins will step down in late 2008, wrapping up a 32-year career as one of Elon's top leaders. Read this note for a message from President Leo M. Lambert...
From: President Leo M. Lambert
Re: Retirement of Vice President Nan Perkins
For 32 years, Elon has enjoyed the remarkable leadership, dedication, intellect, energy and charm of Nan Perkins. She has been a driving force behind Elon’s transformation, leading our communications, admissions and advancement efforts. Now, Nan has decided that she is ready for her next stage in life, spending more time with her family and enjoying the opportunity to be an active member of our community as a retiree.
I have accepted her decision to retire this year as vice president for institutional advancement, with the provision that she stay with us through the launch of the Ever Elon Campaign in October. Graciously, Nan has agreed to be flexible in her schedule through the fall as we make the transition to a new vice president.
It is impossible to overstate the importance of Nan’s contributions to Elon. She began her career in 1976 as a part-time English instructor and joined President Fred Young’s staff as director of communications. In 1985 she founded the Office of Publications, the predecessor of today’s Office of University Relations.
Nan coordinated Elon’s centennial celebration in 1988-89 and then moved on to become dean of admissions and financial planning in 1990. Under her leadership in admissions, applications increased 30 percent and the SAT average for incoming students increased more than 100 points. Elon emerged on the national scene, greatly expanding student recruitment and serving as a national model for effective communication with prospective students and families.
President Young named Nan vice president for enrollment management in 1998, and in 2000, she accepted my request to move to her current position in institutional advancement. She has presided over the conclusion of the Elon Vision campaign, a 150 percent increase in annual unrestricted and restricted giving, and the planning for our next campaign.
The premier Office of Institutional Advancement Nan has built has twice been recognized for overall improvement in fundraising by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). As of last week, Elon’s fundraising this year reached $13.8 million, surpassing our all-time fundraising record set in 2005-06.(And there are still two months left in the fiscal year!)
This brief summary of some of Nan’s accomplishments does not adequately convey the important role she has played as close adviser and strategic planner for two Elon presidents. This fall we will take time to celebrate Nan’s career. But there is still crucial work to be done in preparing for the campaign launch. Nan has told her staff that she will not be a “lame duck” vice president and will do whatever Elon asks in the months and years ahead.
We are truly fortunate to have Nan as a colleague and friend, and I hope you will take time to congratulate her and thank her for the gifts she has given to our community.