A graduate of the M.A. in Interactive Media program, Buck returns to the School of Communications to guide development efforts that advance student opportunities, academic priorities and alumni engagement.
Alan Buck G’13 has been named the new director of development for the School of Communications, where he will advance philanthropic support for students and programs and strengthen engagement with the school’s alumni, parents and friends. A graduate of Elon’s M.A. in Interactive Media program, Buck returns to campus with more than two decades of professional experience in media and higher education.
In his new role, Buck will oversee a portfolio of alumni, parents and friends affiliated with the School of Communications, with a focus on building relationships that support the school’s academic priorities. He will work closely with University Advancement colleagues to align fundraising efforts with broader institutional goals.
“Returning to the School of Communications feels both personal and purposeful,” Buck said. “As a graduate of the M.A. in Interactive Media program, I experienced firsthand the mentorship and hands-on learning that make Elon so distinctive. I am honored to now serve as director of development and look forward to building meaningful relationships with alumni and partners to expand opportunities for our students.”
“Alan understands the culture of the School of Communications and the powerful role relationships play in shaping the student experience,” said Jonathan Miller, senior director of development. “With his existing connection to the school and the university, he is well positioned to strengthen our existing partnerships while building new relationships that will advance the school’s future.”
Buck brings more than 20 years of professional experience in multimedia production, broadcasting, higher education and strategic communication. He began his career in television news, working at CBS, WB and Fox affiliates in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. His production and videography work has included projects for the CBS Network, The Weather Channel, The Masters Tournament, the Pittsburgh Penguins and numerous nonprofit organizations. His work as a news videographer earned an Associated Press Award for Best Feature Video.
He later transitioned into higher education, teaching communication courses and leading academic initiatives, including launching and directing a digital communication certificate program. Buck served as an associate professor of practice in communication at Meredith College and taught at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
In addition, Buck was selected by the U.S. Department of State as a Fulbright Specialist, serving in Eswatini (Southern Africa) to collaborate on cross-cultural storytelling and media education initiatives. He was also one of four producers nationwide chosen by the Foreign Press Center, part of the Bureau of Global Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, to cover the 2020 elections through its Virtual Reporting Tour. His footage was distributed to U.S. embassies worldwide.
Throughout his academic career, Buck has also led successful fundraising and facilities development initiatives to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students. At Meredith, he played a central role in securing philanthropic support and overseeing the design and build-out of a new television studio, control room, editing labs and podcasting suite. During his Fulbright Specialist appointment in Eswatini, Buck helped secure funding and equipment to strengthen instructional resources for students in the Department of Communication at the University of Eswatini.