Applications are being accepted for the 2024-25 University Advancement Faculty Fellowship through May 10.
Director of Faculty Affairs Sam Jay, Ph.D., says the fellowship is perfect for any faculty member who wants to get their hands dirty in donor relations, fundraising and alumni relations.
“Christine Márquez-Hudson and her team do an amazing job of leveraging these fellows to add value to what University Advancement does and does so while giving fellows a ton of valuable experience that they can bring back to their department or college/school,” Jay said. “It also prepares them, if they so desire, for future opportunities in administration to be a chair or a dean.”
The fellowship requires around 15 hours per week, and the applicant selected will receive a $5,000 stipend ($2,500 per semester).
Additionally, Marketing Professor Clay Daughtrey, Ed.D., the current University Advancement Faculty Fellow, sat down with the Early Bird to discuss his experiences and how the fellowship is helping him move forward.
Q&A with Clay Daughtrey
Q: Why did you apply for the University Advancement Faculty Fellowship?
“I have been interested in fundraising for years. In the past, I helped create an endowed scholarship and was part of a team that worked with a donor for a large gift to the University. I enjoyed that work and wanted to learn more about it.”
Q: How will this overall experience help you achieve your career goals?
“This fellowship definitely moved me forward in my career goals of fundraising. I have developed and honed two fundraising projects that are underway. That process has been eye-opening and exciting! The experience inspired me to apply for a sabbatical where I could focus on fundraising, and I am happy to write that it was approved!”
Q: What skills are you going to take away from this once you have completed your fellowship?
“Professionally, I am between midcareer and retirement. I was looking for something new that I would find interesting and that could positively impact the University. Working with University Advancement was a good fit for that, and I feel I am making progress on those goals. I plan to continue fundraising and working with University Advancement as a past Faculty Fellow for the rest of my time here at MSU Denver.”
Q: What would you say to someone who is considering applying for the fellowship?
“Please apply! It was eye-opening to see how hard the UA staff works for all of us at the University. They are an inspiring team of professionals and included me in everything. The support UA gave to me, as the Faculty Fellow, made this a wonderful educational experience. If I were allowed, I would apply again! If anyone has questions about the fellowship, please contact me at [email protected].”