Millsaps Institutional Advancement Expands Talent with Key Promotions

Joey Lee

January 20, 2026

"Both bring deep Millsaps roots, strong professional experience and a passion for serving the college community."

The Millsaps College Office of Institutional Advancement recently promoted Sara Wallace to Alumni Engagement Manager and Julia Kennedy to Advancement Specialist. These changes will support Millsaps’ ongoing work to deepen alumni connections, enhance communication and create engaging experiences for alumni and friends of the college.

Both bring deep Millsaps roots, strong professional experience and a passion for serving the college community.

Wallace to Lead Alumni Engagement Efforts

In her role as Alumni Engagement Manager, Sara will help create meaningful and lasting ways for alumni to stay connected to Millsaps through events, programs and communication. She will oversee major alumni gatherings such as Homecoming, regional presidential tours and milestone reunions while also supporting volunteer chapter leaders in major cities across the country.

She will also collaborate with campus partners and leverage social media, data insights and strategic outreach to strengthen alumni involvement across generations.

Wallace brings a strong background in communication, writing and relationship-building to the position. Her experience as Corporate and Foundations Gift Manager and Grant Writer at Millsaps has given her a deep understanding of engagement and storytelling. Her earlier roles in education and campus leadership demonstrate her commitment to fostering community.

Kennedy Promoted to Advancement Specialist

As Advancement Specialist, Julia will support the Institutional Advancement team through coordinated scheduling, event and project support, donor and alumni record maintenance, and gift processing assistance.

She will play a key role in stewardship efforts, alumni relations and volunteer engagement.

Kennedy has served in multiple capacities within the IA office, giving her hands-on experience with donor communication, marketing and communications support, database management, and engagement initiatives.

Both are Millsaps graduates, Sara with a B.A. in psychology and a minor in communications, and Julia with a B.A. in English Literature and a minor in French. Additionally, both are currently pursuing their MBA at Millsaps, bringing both academic and operational strengths to the team.

“We are thrilled to see both Sara and Julia step into these important new roles,” said Kathleen Terry-Sharp, vice president of institutional advancement. “Sara brings creativity, organization and a genuine love for connecting people, which will elevate alumni engagement in exciting ways. Julia’s dedication, attention to detail and warmth make her an invaluable partner in strengthening our operations and deepening our relationships with alumni, donors and families. Both represent the very best of Millsaps.”