Stephanie Piper, Senior Director of Advancement, to retire December 1, 2024.
The College of Social Work announced that Stephanie Piper, Senior Director of Advancement, is retiring after 17 years in this role. During Piper’s years of service, the college has charted record growth in endowment, donor relations, board participation, and annual giving. Highlights include the college’s first five endowed professorships, 23 new scholarships and fellowships, and the establishment of the Roger and Carol Nooe Endowed Chair.
Piper first came to UT after a career as a journalist for newspapers in metro Chicago and Knoxville. She was hired by UT to write publications for the university’s bicentennial. She worked in UT media relations and communications for more than a decade before becoming the development director for the Volunteer Ministry Center. She returned to UT in 2007 as the first full-time Director of Advancement for the College of Social Work.
Since starting the new role in 2007, Piper has seen many changes over the years. “Our outreach to alumni has increased tremendously, especially with the arrival of Tammy Modic, our Advancement and Alumni Affairs Coordinator,” Piper explained. “We have more than 8000 living alumni around the country and the world, and for a long time, I was a department of one. Now, we are hosting events statewide and beyond, reaching out through social media with the help of our outstanding communications department, and finding new ways to involve our graduates in the life of the college. Additionally, there has been record growth in our outreach to the community. Events like the eVOLve social work conference and the increase in continuing education opportunities continue to raise our profile.”
Piper noted the expansion of online education as another significant change. “The College of Social Work was an early adapter of online learning. Our online MSSW started shortly after I arrived and is now our largest degree program. It’s been exciting to see the development of the DSW and BSSW online programs and to meet students from across the state and the country who are taking advantage of these opportunities.”
The awareness and need for social workers in the region and the country has continued to grow. The pandemic contributed to an already burgeoning mental health crisis among children and teens, and social workers provide a substantial percentage of mental health services in this country. “I think an important aspect for the college has been the ability to attract outstanding faculty whose teaching and research focus on timely issues that affect people’s daily lives,” Piper said. “When I began this job in 2007, I was the first full-time director of development for the college. The decision to commit more resources to fundraising has had a positive impact on the growth of our programs and the financial help we can offer our students. Our endowment has grown, our scholarships have multiplied, and we have our first-ever endowed professorships and an endowed chair. As our donor base widens, the challenge is to continue to identify transformational opportunities for philanthropy.”
When announcing Piper’s retirement, CSW Dean Lori Messinger acknowledged that she and her dedication to the college will be greatly missed. “After more than 17 years with the College of Social Work, Stephanie will be moving on to new adventures as a retiree,” Messinger stated. “I am thrilled for Stephanie, but I know it is a big loss to the college and to me, personally, as Dean. Stephanie was a godsend to me when I came to Tennessee, not knowing a soul in the state and needing to step in to connect with donors and other stakeholders. I owe her a great deal for her help and support.”
When asked what the best part of her job has been over the past 17 years, Piper was quick to note the people. “The best part of my job is bringing together donors with the students and faculty who benefit from their gifts,” she stated. “I love to see the donors’ eyes light up when they hear about a student’s field placement or their plans to change the world. It’s this moment of recognition when potential meets possibility.”
As a former journalist, Piper has always been interested in the story. “I’ve had the opportunity to hear and tell many inspiring stories during my years here,” she noted. “Everything from the accomplishments of our alumni, the courage and determination of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the generosity of our donors. I will miss those stories.”
And when asked what she would not miss, she quipped, “I will not miss dodging the food robots on campus!”
“It has been a joy and a privilege to be part of the College of Social Work for the past 17 years. It is truly a College on the Rise, and I look forward to hearing great things about it in the future!”
Happy Retirement, Stephanie! And thank you for all you have done for the college.