Upon meeting Kelsey Isaacs, it is apparent why she landed the director of development role at the School of Music and Dance (SOMD), responsible for fundraising within the department. Her vibrant demeanor and contagious laughter could sell sand in a desert!
Kelsey’s effervescent nature paved the way for her early success in her higher education fundraising career, while working at the call center of her alma mater, Radford University. “Initially, when I first started working, I thought I would get fired before the holiday break!” Kesley laughed. “But I actually got a promotion two years in, and then went full-time. It became something I really enjoyed doing. I love talking with donors. I love talking about students in higher education.”
Her enthusiasm for her work was also influenced by her grandmother, who served as an example of the transformative power of education. She was the oldest of ten kids and grew up in Appalachia, one of the poorest areas in the country. She was the first person in Isaacs’ family to attend college and later became a teacher. “I saw firsthand how education can make a difference, because she would have never had any of the opportunities that came her way if she hadn't been brave and gone to college at a time when neither women nor people from her community were attending college.”
That purpose has driven Isaacs to pursue higher education fundraising for the past decade. “I firmly believe that education can be a great equalizer, but philanthropy is crucial to leveling the field so that every student is able to realize their dreams,” she said. “My role is to connect donors with priorities that meet the needs of students and institutions. I take immense pride in the moment when a donor realizes the impact their gift can have now and in perpetuity.”
After graduating from Radford in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in social science and history, Kelsey worked for Ruffalo Noel Levitz, an enrollment and fundraising management company. Her first placement in Fargo, North Dakota at North Dakota State University was memorable but challenging as she endured a brutal winter. Then, she headed to the University of Idaho before exiting the phonathon space by accepting a position as the Assistant Director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts for Oregon State. She has also held the position of Associate Director of Major Gifts in the DC region for Virginia Tech.
Desiring growth and seeking an opportunity to manage a team, Kelsey was drawn to SOMD’s opening for a new Director of Development. After applying, she met Sabrina Madison-Cannon, Dean of the School of Music and Dance, heightening her excitement for the role. “Sabrina is a powerful speaker, she is so passionate, and she has this quality within her that is indescribable.” Kelsey said. “When I first met her, she got me really excited about our upcoming scholarship campaign, and I bet she can get donors really excited too! That makes my job a lot more fun, and a lot easier, frankly, when I have an amazing partner like Sabrina, who lets that passion shine through. I want to do the best I can for her.”
August 1st marked her first day on the job and her excitement has not waned since! “I am thrilled to be here and to have the opportunity to serve the school,” she said. “I look at my work as a service in a sense, by connecting donors with things that they're passionate about.” One of her first projects will focus on the launch of a new scholarship campaign, encouraging donors to contribute to the fund from which student scholarships are awarded. "Scholarship packages are a big determinant in how students make their minds up on where they are going to go to school,” Kelsey said. “If we are unable to compete with our peer institutions, that has a cascading effect. We want to attract talent regardless of financial ability!”
As Kelsey settles into her new role, she looks forward to savoring all that the Beaver State has to offer. She says it is the most beautiful place she has ever called home! And that is quite a statement, considering she is the daughter of an Army veteran who has lived all over the world. Born in Wurzburg, Germany, she spent ten years of her childhood in the country. Then, she moved back to the U.S. and lived in three states until going to Texas for high school.
While she ventured to places near and far throughout her life, one thing has remained constant: dance.
Photographer Debi Murk
Her mother is a musician, and she grew up as a ballet dancer. “Music is a personal passion area of mine,” she said. “I grew up with music around me all the time, whether I was at home or in the studio. That was another thing that drew me to this position.” Now more involved in the contemporary modern space, she is seeking a dance studio where she can take classes in Eugene. Outside work, she also plans to find her favorite restaurants, and hike in the Cascades with her dog, Leonard.
Kelsey and Leonard hike the Grand Canyon