Be on the lookout! NACRO’s 2026 Annual Career Exploration Survey to academic corporate relations professionals (including non-NACRO members) opens later this month.

This survey builds on previous NACRO benchmarking efforts to better understand roles, responsibilities, compensation and career advancement across institutions.

Findings will help inform professional development resources and provide context for institutional discussions about staffing and support for academic corporate relations teams. Stay tuned for more information on the survey’s launch!

For this month's "Quick Text With . . .," we're delighted to feature Khalil Gray, Associate Director of Industry Engagement, Office of Industry and Strategic Partnerships with the University of Wyoming!

NACRO: “Hi Khalil! Hope your school year in Laramie is starting off well. Do you have a new CR project or related good news at the University of Wyoming to let us know of?"

Khalil: "Thank you! The Office of Industry and Strategic Partnerships has been hard at work this fall semester. Most recently, we had the privilege of hosting Chevron on our campus and are in the midst of working on the NSF Accelerating Research Translation STAR: Industry Co-Innovation Award."

NACRO: "Fantastic – thank you Khalil – enjoy the Wyoming autumn!”

This month we’re very happy to feature Tamika Hodnett, who is Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations with the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland.

In this video, Tamika shares that having the NACRO network to go to for guidance, advice and to bounce ideas off of is a valuable asset for her professional growth and development.

Our Strategic Plan outlines NACRO’s priorities for 2026–2029 and reflects the organization’s commitment to strengthening the profession, supporting its members and positioning NACRO as a leader and convener within higher education advancement and engagement.

The plan provides a clear framework for organizational decision-making while allowing the flexibility necessary to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges. Read more.

Priya Baboo, Past Co-President of NACRO, has joined Georgia Tech as Executive Director of its Office of Corporate Engagement, overseeing strategic initiatives and operations to strengthen industry partnerships. She brings more than two decades of experience across industry and higher education, most recently leading corporate and industry engagement at Penn State’s College of Engineering. At Georgia Tech, she will help connect industry partners with the Institute’s research, talent and innovation. Read more.

The Boise State University Foundation has named Rich Brown Associate Vice President for Central Development and Engagement. Brown brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education and philanthropy, most recently serving as chief development and alumni relations officer at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. He previously held leadership positions at the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee. At Boise State, he will oversee corporate and foundation partnerships, alumni engagement, annual and planned giving, signature events and sponsorships. Read more.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Engineering has named Falicia Hines chief advancement officer. Hines brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education advancement, communications and alumni engagement, most recently serving as chief of staff to the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association’s president and CEO. As a member of the college’s senior leadership team, she leads philanthropy and alumni relations efforts and aligns them closely with its corporate relations activities. Read more.

Technology Powers University-Industry Research Partnerships

UA Little Rock Corporate Partnership Program Expands Reach and Impact

Infosys and Columbia University Launch Strategic Collaboration Across Deep Research to Drive Innovation and Unlock Business Value

UNO Joins Business-Higher Education Forum

UC Berkeley partners with Silicon Valley facility to bring groundbreaking semiconductor research to market

UC Regents sign off on early construction for UCLA Research Park

Bayh-Dole Has Added as Much as $1.7 Trillion to the U.S. Economy in Last 30 years, Report Finds

We would like to extend a big welcome to our newest members and welcome back those that stepped away for a bit but have recently returned to NACRO!

Mark Doti, Chapman University

Alyson Eagle, Stetson University

Jonathan Jessen, Southern Methodist University

Heather McCormick, Stetson University

Paul McNamara, San Francisco State University

Lindsey Rossiter, Western Michigan University

Cate Schlobohm, West Virginia University Foundation

Sara Thurber, Texas Christian University

Jennifer Walters, State University of New York

University of Rochester - Assistant Vice President, Foundation Relations and Corporate Philanthropy

University of Notre Dame - Foundation Relations Program Director

Yale University - Program Manager, QuantumCT Lab to Market Accelerator

Yale University - Quantum CT Use Inspired Research Strategy

Job posting forms are due to Jessica Hutchins no later than the 1st of the month to be included in that month's NACRO News. The newsletter goes out the second Tuesday of every month.

NACRO has launched one of our most frequently requested member resources – a member-only discussion forum, hosted as a private, unlisted LinkedIn group.

NACRO members can request to join the group by clicking on the link below.