partners in developing culturally responsive practices and products? 2. Research Potential Partners Strategically Move beyond researching a company’s history and focus instead on understanding their:
relationship-building rather than solicitation.
generated over $100 million in revenues for organizations.
Innovative Partnership Models Several institutions have pioneered partnership approaches that transcend traditional corporate giving by establishing:
The future of higher education advancement lies not in perfecting the art of the ask but in mastering the science of strategic partnership—where both institutions and corporate partners can achieve meaningful goals and advance their missions through authentic collaboration. By shifting from transactional fundraising to transformational relationships, advancement professionals can secure not just financial resources but also sustainable institutional growth. About the Author Dr. Dub Taylor is a transformative leader and higher education executive renowned for his innovative approach to merging traditional academia with industry partnerships. As Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Allen University, he has significantly increased the university’s financial resources and enhanced its national ranking among HBCUs. With a deep commitment to supporting first-generation college students from diverse backgrounds, Dr. Taylor
Dr. Taylor holds a Doctor of Business Administration in Leadership from Walden
University, with a dissertation on HBCUs and Alumni Donations as a Revenue Source. He earned an Executive MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute, a Bachelor of Arts in History from Stillman College, and has completed the Wharton Executive Education Program on Executive Presence and Influence. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Clark Atlanta University HBCU Executive Leadership Institute and holds a Master Certification in Strategic Selling from the Miller Heiman Group. Raised on a family farm in Millry, Alabama, he attributes his relentless work ethic to his upbringing and remains committed to promoting academic excellence and equity in higher education.
Multi-year talent pipeline programs that combine scholarship support with guaranteed internships,
• Strategic priorities and growth areas
professional development, and mentorship, which addresses both the company’s talent needs and students’ career readiness. Joint research initiatives
• Talent acquisition needs
• Community engagement goals
that bring together faculty and corporate R&D teams to collaborate on industry
• Existing partnerships and outcomes
challenges, offering students real- world experience while advancing corporate innovation goals. Entrepreneur-in-residence programs that bring corporate executives to campus to mentor student founders, creating pathways for future business development and investment. Technology infrastructure partnerships where companies provide both funding and expertise to enhance campus technical capabilities, simultaneously training students on industry-standard systems.
This deeper understanding will allow you to craft partnership proposals that address specific business needs rather than generic philanthropic appeals. 3. Cultivate Champions, Not Just Contacts The most effective corporate partnerships are often supported by individuals who have a personal connection to your mission. Identify and cultivate relationships with:
• Alumni within the organization
has implemented effective recruitment, retention, and
The Call to Action: Three Steps to Begin Today
• Executives with demonstrated commitment to educational equity
partnership strategies that bolster student success and institutional effectiveness. His collaborations with major corporations like The Boeing Company, Google, Duke Energy, Coca-Cola Enterprises, and Dominion Energy have enriched academic and workforce development opportunities. Beyond his administrative achievements, Dr. Taylor has extensive experience in teaching and curriculum development at institutions. He is also a successful consultant, founding a leadership consulting practice that has
1. Conduct your institutional asset inventory with input from faculty, students, and alumni to identify your institution’s unique value traits. 2. Select three potential corporate partners based on alignment with your institution’s strengths and begin researching their strategic priorities beyond philanthropy. 3. Identify and reach out to potential champions within these organizations, focusing first on
• Mid-level managers seeking to advance the university’s initiatives
• Technical leaders seeking to diversify their talent pipeline Remember that these champions often need internal data and compelling narratives to advocate for your partnership, so be sure to provide them with transparent, business-focused materials they can use within their organization.
From Theory to Practice:
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