Have you ever had one of those moments when you think, “Wow—I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be”? It’s when everything just clicks. The scary chances you’ve taken, the degrees you’ve earned, the people you’ve met, the choices you’ve made—all of those come together, and you realize you are making a difference. And you’re happy.
I’ve been fortunate that this has happened several times in my life, most recently in October 2023 at the Conference for Community College Advancement. I was in my sixth week as Director of Community Colleges and Foundations for CASE, but I was already surrounded by new friends who would not let me fail. Instead of being nervous, I leaned in and networked the heck out of those three days. I met people from across the U.S. who were—like me—passionate about community colleges.
So why community colleges? I didn’t even attend one! But I was introduced to Brookdale Community College in Monmouth County, New Jersey, U.S., by my mom, who volunteered at a museum on its campus. Once a horse farm, the Brookdale main campus is a gorgeous location, and I loved going there as a child and seeing all the “grown-ups” walking to class.
Years later, I was hired as Development Specialist at the Brookdale Community College Foundation and worked my way up to Executive Director. I learned more about the community college mission: opportunity with excellence. At age 30, however, I got antsy, so I left Brookdale to explore paths in marketing (with Prudential) and major gifts (with Hackensack-Meridian Health in New Jersey), but I missed the students and spirit of Brookdale. I began teaching there and became a tenured Assistant Professor in English and women’s & gender studies and eventually Dean of the Humanities Institute. I met students who never thought they would be able to earn college degrees, and I helped them build their confidence and achieve their dreams. I even had the opportunity to share my love for travel with Brookdale students and offered two trips—one to Hawaii and one to Iceland, one of my favorite places in the world. Wow!
Eventually I found my way to CASE, and now I have the opportunity to help colleagues at community colleges and those who run college and university foundations all around the United States. Community college advancement professionals and foundation leaders have unique challenges and opportunities today, and I’m committed to helping my colleagues solve problems, analyze benchmarking data, and share success stories. A top priority is working with the Center for Community College Advancement Advisory Committee to provide more resources and educational opportunities for community college professionals.
Small-shop leaders have so much to do—I get it—but there are lots of opportunities at CASE for community college and foundation folks to step up, share your perspectives, and connect with each other. Through our CASE community, we can share what’s shaped our professional journeys and celebrate the “wow” moments in the work we’re passionate about.
Reach out to me any time at mnatter@case.org. I look forward to working with you.
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July - August 2024
Creating a Global Network: Dutch alumni teams extend their international reach. Also, meaningful donor and fundraiser relationships, meeting the mission at public regional universities, and connecting the pieces on a community college brand refresh.
