On this episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent chats with David Nolan, Associate Vice Chancellor at Texas Christian University.

David’s father was the Vice President for Advancement at Bethany College, so David grew up living and breathing the magic of a college campus. The love for higher ed and the life-changing power of advancement work runs in his veins.

David and Brent talk about his experience working the phonathon (the “gateway drug to advancement”) during his undergrad years. They talk about the value of polite persistence (it takes an average of 6.6 touchpoints to earn a meeting with a donor). They talk about portfolio purgatory. They talk about David’s transformative experience in the Peace Corps, his years living in Moldova, and what advancement professionals can learn from the incredibly warm hospitality practices of rural agricultural communities.

Some great quotes from this episode:

“Go into something with a plan, but be open to other opportunities that emerge while you’re on that path.”

“Philanthropy is the monetary representation of people’s hopes and dreams.”

“Athletics as a great gateway for people to discover what you have to offer.”

“Our donors remember how we make them feel.”

Tune in!