Susan Vance
She's worked in fund raising, corporate public relations, community economic development, manufacturing company logistics, and alumni relations at Tusculum College. She even coached the Pioneer cheerleading squad for a time. Meanwhile she's found time to raise her son, Austin, help take care of a beagle named Fred, take part in community activities, play the organ at Victory Church of God, follow Pioneer athletics, and even find time for a few rounds of golf every now and then.
She is Susan Vance, a Tusculum College alumna and at present Acting Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the College. She's also Director of Development and Alumni Relations.
A native of Greene County, Susan lives in the South Greene area, spending her home time with son Austin, born in 2001. In both the alumni relations and development aspects of her work, a part of what she does is seek to keep "Pioneer spirit" alive among the students, alumni and friends of the College. And that comes naturally for this very sincere booster of Tusculum College.
Susan majored in business administration at TC, working hard as a student and graduating in only three-and-a-half years. She received her degree in December of 1991.
Her student days at Tusculum College led directly to her first "real" job: work in the Logistics Department at Philips Consumer Electronics in Greeneville. The job there was an outgrowth of an internship she worked with Philips while she was a Tusculum student. From Philips she went on to the Greene County Partnership, working in economic development and coordinating the Keep Greene Clean/Keep Greene Beautiful program.
From Philips she went on to the Greene County Partnership, working in economic development and coordinating the Keep Greene Clean/Keep Greene Beautiful program, which was named the number one program in the country in 2000 under Susan's leadership.
After her six years at the Partnership, a year of work followed in corporate public relations at Ecoquest, a Greeneville-based manufacturing firm. She then answered a call from Family Ministries, a Christian child and family care ministry. In her role as Corporate Development Manager at Family Ministries, her achievements included helping with a capital campaign that raised $1.1 million, plus $25,000 for the Hope Center, a crisis pregnancy center.
Susan's successes did not go unnoticed. In 2002 she was named to the "40 under 40" list, an award given to 40 men and women in East Tennessee under the age of 40 who are considered rising business leaders. A somewhat similar honor came more recently with Susan's inclusion in Marquee magazine's "Sexy Successful Singles" listing.
Susan joined Tusculum College as Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving in 2003, and in 2005 was promoted to Director of Development and Alumni Relations. In 2007 she became Acting Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
At Tusculum College Susan has watched the Pioneer Club campaign, which raised money in support of athletics and athletic scholarships, exceed its goal repeatedly. She has implemented new alumni events, boosted activities related to Homecoming, and met with alumni across the country. She is currently working with colleagues to complete the Campaign for the Library, and is helping establish regionally based President's Advisory Council for the College.
During Homecoming 2006, Susan received The Frontier Award, presented annually to an outstanding alumnus or alumna in recognition of meritorious advancement in his or her career.
Susan is involved in several professional and community organizations and devotes much time to activities devoted to the betterment of life in her beloved home area, and to the advancement of Tusculum College.
Fast Facts
One of her most admired persons is Betty Weemes, who directs the Laughlin Hospital Foundation and helped Susan learn much of what she knows about working in a non-profit setting.
Austin begins kindergarten this fall.
Favorite Quote
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."
Favorite Book
Susan is fan of the book "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," by Robert Fulghum.
Favorite Movie
Her favorite movies are "Jerry McGuire" and "The Lake House."
TV Show
Susan has little time for television, but does try, when possible, to keep up with "American Idol."
Through having a 5-year-old son she is also familiar with quite a bit of children's programming.
She enjoys NASCAR racing as well.