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ERIC Number: ED663551
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 150
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-8960-7778-7
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Exploration of Factors Influencing Alumni Engagement
Brooke Glover Emery
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D.Ed.Lead. Dissertation, Union University
Recent alumni participated in this qualitative study to determine factors that influence alumni engagement. Each participant completed a pre-interview survey to determine their student involvement scores, which were grouped into three groups -- high, medium, and low engagement. I created interview questions and a protocol. Following the completion of coding the interviews, relevant themes were identified. This study identified significant factors during the undergraduate experience, both extracurricular and classroom activities, that impact alumni engagement with their alma mater. By identifying key factors such as communication, teamwork, faculty support, and alignment with the institution's values, the research identifies the elements that shape alumni perceptions of value as well as their willingness to support their alma mater. Developing "soft" skills, such as diligence, organization, and time management, are crucial to career success and personal growth. The findings suggest that alumni engagement is deeply rooted in the quality of relationships formed during the undergraduate years, especially with faculty and peers. This reinforces the importance of creating opportunities for students to develop meaningful interactions that promote long-term institutional loyalty. Furthermore, the study revealed that alumni desire opportunities to stay connected. Recent alumni enthusiastically desire to provide non-monetary support to their alma mater through activities such as volunteering for career panels, mentoring current students, or recruiting new ones. Most acknowledged the importance of monetary support but did not feel financially stable enough to donate substantially. The study also provides actionable recommendations for institutions to enhance alumni engagement, such as fostering young alumni networks, maintaining personal connections, and offering meaningful ways for alumni to give back. These efforts can help build a culture of ongoing involvement and support, benefiting current students and the institution. Future researchers should explore a broader range of students, such as different majors and those not involved in extracurricular activities, as well as post-graduation factors, such as the distance of current residents from their alma mater. The results of this study will be shared with the institution to provide actionable recommendations to improve future alumni engagement. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A