Upcoming Virtual Programming

Have an idea for a virtual program? Submit your request here.

Managing Up: Strategies for Senior Corporate Relations Professionals

Wednesday, May 21, 2-3 p.m. ET

As corporate engagement grows more complex, the ability to “manage up” has become a critical skill for senior university corporate relations professionals. Navigating ambiguous environments, aligning with multiple stakeholders, and communicating effectively with leadership are essential to advancing both individual and institutional goals.

In this virtual panel discussion, experienced leaders will share practical strategies for understanding and adapting to different management styles, aligning with leadership priorities, and building influence beyond your immediate team. Through real-world examples and case studies, attendees will gain insights into strategic communication, trust-building, and handling difficult conversations with confidence.

Join us to explore how managing up can enhance your impact, strengthen your relationships with leadership, and position your office for long-term success.

Moderator:

• Ben Miller, Sr. Director, Corporate Engagement, The Ohio State University

Panelists:

• Heath Wood, Vice President of University Advancement, State University of New York at Oswego
• Kyan Zeller, Senior Director, Corporate Relations, Michigan State University

*This webinar is for NACRO members. 

Click Here to Register

Solo and Very Small CR Shops Networking Discussion
Wednesday, May 28, 1-2 p.m. ET

If you're a one-person shop or part of a small team tasked with building or scaling your university's corporate relations program, this informal conversation is for you. Let's come together for a roundtable discussion to share real-world experiences, brainstorm creative solutions, and support each other through the unique challenges and opportunities we face.

We'll discuss:

• How to prioritize and align corporate partnerships with institutional goals when resources are limited.
• Strategies for engaging industry partners in meaningful ways without a large team
• Tools and frameworks that have helped peers stay organized and focused
• Lessons learned from both successes and setbacks in corporate-university collaborations
• Creative approaches to scaling programs sustainable without overextending resources

Speakers:

• Emily Witthohn, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Elon University
• Heather Kimmett, Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Idaho State University

*This networking discussion is for NACRO members.

Click Here to Register

Regional Meetups

These meetups will address issues relevant to higher education professionals whose primary focus is facilitating collaboration with industry partners. Plus, you will have the opportunity to meet and get to know fellow higher ed professionals in your region. The next round of meetups will take place in July - in conjunction with the Annual Conference. If you have questions, please contact Aubryn Shivers.