The Importance of Board Service

Posted on April 30, 2024

Volunteer board service plays a pivotal role in sustaining and advancing the mission of our beloved institution. Whether through fundraising boards, advisory boards or fiduciary boards, alumni engagement in governance ensures that our alma mater continues to thrive and adapt in an ever-evolving landscape of higher education.

Fiduciary boards, such as the Carolina Alumni Board of Directors, play a critical role in ensuring the financial health and long-term sustainability of the organization. These boards oversee budgetary decisions, strategic planning, advocacy and engagement. The Carolina Alumni board brings a deep commitment to our mission and values, advocating for decisions that prioritize the well-being of alumni and the University.

Alumni can also get involved in fundraising boards, which are instrumental in securing resources to support scholarships, research initiatives, infrastructure projects and other programs that enrich the academic experience for current and future students. Most schools and units have fundraising boards, and there are also affinity fundraising boards, such as the Women’s Leadership Council and the Alumni Committee for Racial and Ethnic Diversity. By joining fundraising boards, we can leverage our networks, expertise and resources to develop a culture of giving that sustains the institution’s excellence for generations to come.

Advisory boards offer a platform for alumni to provide guidance and industry insights to leadership. Some examples include the Carolina Covenant Advisory Board, the Carolina Latinx Center Advisory Board, and Gillings School of Global Public Health’s Alumni Association Advisory Board. Whether it’s advising on the development of new academic programs or providing feedback on campus initiatives, alumni on advisory boards serve as trusted advisers who help steer the institution toward greater relevance and impact.

The benefits of board service extend beyond the institution itself, offering alumni opportunities for personal and professional growth. For me, board service has been a way to give back to the University that did so much for me. But it helped me grow personally and professionally, too. “How did you make the transition from banking to running the alumni association?” “How hard is it to change career paths and jump into a completely different industry?” Those are examples of the questions I get when talking to alumni, friends and campus partners about my prior career and what I’m doing today. My career in financial services gave me transferrable skills that prepared me to make the transition. But board service opened a door I didn’t even realize was there. During the 15 years since I graduated, I have served on advisory, fundraising and fiduciary boards at Carolina.

Here’s how they enhanced my career:

• Leadership Development: Serving on a nonprofit board allows you to hone your leadership skills. You’ll be involved in strategic decision-making, governance and possibly even leading committees or initiatives. This can make you a more effective leader in your career.
• Networking: Nonprofit boards often consist of professionals from various industries and backgrounds. This provides you with valuable networking opportunities that can lead to new career prospects, partnerships and collaborations. Building relationships with other board members, fellow donors and University leaders can expand your professional network.
• Skill development: Board service can provide opportunities to develop and strengthen skills such as fundraising, financial management, strategic planning and project management. The skills are transferable and highly valued in many professional settings.
• Increased visibility and credibility: Serving on a nonprofit board showcases your commitment to social responsibility and community involvement, which can enhance your credibility and reputation among peers, colleagues and potential employers.
• Personal growth: Board service often involves working with individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives. This can expand empathy, cultural competence and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams — all valuable assets in any career.
• Career transition or advancement: Whether it’s through the connections you make, the skills you develop or the experiences you gain, serving on a nonprofit board can position you for career growth or facilitate a transition into a new field or role.

In June, we will welcome our newest Carolina Alumni board members. I encourage all alumni to reflect on how you can contribute your time, talents and expertise to advance the University’s mission. Your involvement can make a meaningful difference in the lives of current and future students. Board service offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, forge new friendships and deepen your sense of pride in Carolina’s achievements.

With Tar Heel pride,
Veronica Mora Flaspoehler ’08
veronica_flaspoehler@unc.edu