The UT College of Social Work (UTCSW) welcomes Amber Edrington as the college’s new Senior Director of Advancement. Edrington is a two-time graduate of the College of Social Work and has worked since 2020 for Junior Achievement of East Tennessee, where she helped grow the organization’s total budget by more than 50 percent. Her experience working with individual and corporate stakeholders comes at an ideal time for the College of Social Work. As a scholarship recipient herself at UT, Edrington’s passion for enhancing opportunities for students, faculty, and programs in social work will be a tremendous asset.
What made you decide to pursue the Director of Advancement job at the UTCSW?
In my previous job as the Director of Strategic Partnerships for Junior Achievement of East Tennessee, I worked as a fundraiser and a partnership creator between my organization and other nonprofits in the East Tennessee region to help increase access to programming. Working in the nonprofit network, I know the outcomes they collectively provide to help make our region a thriving community. None of this would be possible without the graduates of the College of Social Work. Our graduates are truly holding up the community nonprofits with their commitment to being the changemakers. When I saw this job opening, I knew I had to throw my hat in the ring. There is no greater opportunity to facilitate change than by being part of the current College of Social Work momentum.
As a two-time UTCSW alum and an LMSW, what did you learn at the UTCSW that better prepared you for this role?
A degree in social work will prepare a person for success in everything they do. Our graduates are truly everywhere, and in every industry. The ability to look at a person through a whole-person perspective helps prepare you to be a phenomenal communicator and connector. Understanding bias in communication, the ability to understand other people’s perspectives, the interconnectedness of all persons, and how to be an active listener not only help you to find success as an LCSW, Case Manager, or UTCSW Professor, it can also facilitate a greater ability to understand our community of donors and the needs of our students and faculty.
Where were you working prior to this job?
As the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Junior Achievement of East Tennessee, I was the primary fundraiser. I worked together with our president to increase individuals served, from the lens of entrepreneurship and economic mobility. I worked with our corporate partners and individual donors to increase our resources and maximize impact and growth. Partnerships were a large part of my role as well as a personal favorite of mine. I love connecting with other nonprofits, school districts, and individuals whose goals align and seeing exponential growth as a result.
What are some of your goals for this new role?
I am particularly looking forward to showcasing the work of our students and faculty. Telling the story of our phenomenal program to new donors will be an honor. But if I am really being honest, a new building that brings together innovation, community, and top-notch research is really what I would like to achieve. As a graduate who spent a lot of time in Henson Hall, I know how important those spaces become to facilitating community amongst the learning.
What are you most looking forward to by being back on campus?
Rocky Top will always be home sweet home to me! I love seeing all of the UTCSW staff in person. As a field placement supervisor, I would get to speak with staff on a regular basis, but being part of the team is exciting. The campus is changing so much, but since I have already had at least six calls to OIT and a couple trips to parking services, I am feeling like I never left. Ha!
Anything else you’d like to add?
It is an honor to be a part of this College, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been selected for this role. Standing alongside our dean, faculty, staff and students to help represent the UT College of Social Work will be a pleasure.