Allison McBee Dawson was selected as vice president for Institutional Advancement at Austin College following an extensive national search. She will assume these duties effective immediately, providing leadership and direction for the advancement team which includes alumni programming, donor services, communications and all fundraising activities in concert with the President and the Board of Trustees of Austin College.
“Allison is a strategic leader, focused on data to drive decision making. She couples these skills with a talent for relationship building and a management style that fosters teamwork,” said Austin College President Marjorie Hass.
Currently serving as interim vice president, Allison has demonstrated outstanding leadership and strategic implementation the past six months. “The Institutional Advancement team has exceeded all expectations under Allison’s guidance. I have tremendous confidence in Allison’s capacity to build a strong framework for fundraising and engaging our constituents,” noted David Corrigan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Since February 2014, Allison has served Austin College as associate vice president and executive director of leadership gifts. In this capacity, she managed the major gift team, annual fund efforts, and campaign planning. Prior to joining Austin College, Allison managed fundraising activities for the Episcopal School of Dallas and for Southern Methodist University (SMU). She began her career at the Dallas Regional Chamber where she directed Women’s Business Issues Programming. Allison has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Austin College and a Master of Liberal Studies in American Studies from SMU.
About Austin College
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 36 percent of students representing ethnic minorities. A residential student body of 1,250 students and a faculty of more than 100 allow a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. The College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.