WSSU announces Raushanah Butler as new senior director of alumni engagement
Winston-Salem State University has appointed Raushanah N. Butler as senior director of alumni engagement, bringing to the role a strategic, relationship-centered leader with more than 15 years of experience strengthening alumni connection, volunteer leadership and philanthropic engagement across higher education. She will begin Jan. 12.
Butler joins WSSU with a proven track record of designing high-impact alumni programs. Most recently, she served as director of alumni engagement at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, where she developed comprehensive strategies to increase alumni participation, volunteerism and philanthropy. Her work included strengthening student-to-alumni connection points, expanding digital outreach in partnership with communications teams and establishing clear objectives and key performance indicators to measure engagement and impact.
At Candler, Butler also managed the Alumni Board, supporting volunteer training, governance, stewardship and board development, experience that aligns closely with WSSU’s commitment to cultivating engaged alumni leaders and strengthening lifelong relationships with the university.
Previously, Butler served as associate director of alumni and constituent engagement at Kennesaw State University, where she advanced student-to-alumni engagement strategies, provided leadership for affinity group support, and created the Navigating Life After the Nest webinar series. She also collaborated with annual giving teams to help grow alumni participation and philanthropic support.
Earlier roles in MBA program operations and alumni relations further sharpened her strengths in program management, process improvement, event strategy and stakeholder collaboration.
“Raushanah brings a powerful combination of skill, wisdom, heart and conviction to this role. Our alumni are among our most valued stakeholders, and her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening engagement and advancing the success of our alumni programs,” said Kevan Turman, vice chancellor for University Advancement. “Her career reflects a strong commitment to building authentic connections, empowering volunteers and aligning alumni engagement with institutional priorities.”
Butler holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing from South Carolina State University and graduate credentials in business, project management, leadership and ethics. She will earn her Doctor of Ministry from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in May, with a focus on equipping clergy and lay leaders to respond holistically to domestic violence.
In her new role, Butler will lead WSSU’s alumni engagement strategy, working to strengthen alumni relationships, expand volunteer leadership opportunities, and support philanthropic engagement in alignment with the university’s mission and strategic priorities.
