Millsaps College is proud to welcome back one of its own, Class of 1988 alumna Kathleen Terry-Sharp, who will step into the role of Vice President of Institutional Advancement on Oct. 6. With more than two decades of experience building strong connections and leading successful fundraising efforts, she will focus on strengthening relationships with alumni, donors and the community to support student success and academic excellence.
Terry-Sharp brings an impressive track record to the role, having helped secure more than $55 million in grants and major gifts for universities and nonprofits. A Certified Fundraising Executive, she has focused on major gifts and developing partnerships with foundations, corporations and governments to further institutional goals. Most recently, she led Equ-Insights, LLC, a Memphis-based consulting firm where she worked with higher education institutions and nonprofits on strategy, leadership and fundraising.
Beyond fundraising, Terry-Sharp is nationally recognized for her work in experiential education and leadership development. As an Equine-Assisted Learning facilitator and coach, she designs sessions and workshops that partner with horses to improve communication, leadership and teamwork for individuals and organizations.
She has presented nationally and published on topics ranging from board development, fundraising, emerging leaders and applications of experiential education to increase organizational effectiveness. Her TEDx Memphis talk, “Horses, Hippogriffs & Insights for Humanity,” highlighted her ability to inspire and connect with a wide range of audiences.
“Kathleen’s passion for Millsaps and her proven success in fundraising and strategic leadership make her the perfect person to lead our advancement efforts,” said Frank Neville, president of Millsaps College. “Her energy, vision and communications expertise will strengthen our connections with alumni, donors and the community.”
In her new role, Terry-Sharp will oversee comprehensive fundraising strategies, alumni engagement and strategic partnerships to advance the mission of Millsaps College of fostering academic excellence.
“I’m honored to return to Millsaps and contribute to its exciting future,” said Terry-Sharp. “Millsaps shaped me in so many ways, and I look forward to working together to build on its strong legacy and create new opportunities for students, faculty, alumni and our wider community.”
Terry-Sharp earned her Master of Public Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and holds certifications in executive coaching and equine-assisted learning. She is active in numerous professional and service organizations, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, and Delta Delta Delta sorority.