Dr. PJ Thompson has been named the Executive Director of the Indiana State University Alumni Association and will begin on Monday, July 22.
With over 110,000 alumni worldwide, the Alumni Association is pivotal in fostering a strong sense of community among Indiana State University alumni and friends, encouraging their involvement in campus life, and securing resources to ensure the University’s continued growth and success.
The Alumni Association coordinates programs, communications, and events to engage alumni and support the University. These efforts include organizing reunions, networking events, and regional gatherings and managing various communication channels to keep alumni connected. Additionally, the Association creates strategic plans for membership growth and scholarship support, ensuring that alumni contributions have a lasting impact on the University.
Dr. Thompson will oversee the Alumni Association's initiatives in his new role and manage an advisory board comprising distinguished alumni and key stakeholders. This board provides valuable guidance and support, helping to shape the Association's direction and priorities.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Thompson to Indiana State University," said Andrea Angel, Vice President for University Advancement and CEO of the Indiana State University Foundation. "His extensive experience and proven track record in alumni relations and higher education advancement make him an ideal leader for our Alumni Association. We look forward to the innovative ideas and fresh perspective he will bring to our team."
Dr. Thompson brings an extensive professional history in higher education advancement and over 15 years of experience in alumni relations to Indiana State University. He most recently served as Senior Development Officer at Benedictine University, where he successfully developed an affinity group programming structure to increase alumni engagement, restructured and increased annual donations to the Benedictine Fund, and renewed relationships with alumni and donors who had disengaged with the university. His achievements at Benedictine University include developing the Black Alumni Network (launching in Fall 2024), and raising more than $250,000 in annual fund and planned estate gifts.
Prior to his tenure at Benedictine University, Dr. Thompson held positions at Kankakee Community College, McKendree University, Bradley University, and Eastern Illinois University. He demonstrated a commitment to fostering alumni engagement and supporting institutional development in each role.
Dr. Thompson is a graduate of Maryville University of Saint Louis, where he earned a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership. He also holds a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from McKendree University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Eastern Illinois University.
"I am honored to join Indiana State University and lead the Alumni Association," said Dr. Thompson. "I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and working closely with our alumni to create even more opportunities for engagement and support. Indiana State University alumni are passionate and engaged, and I look forward to connecting with our alums and the Terre Haute community."
For more information about the Indiana State University Alumni Association and upcoming events, please visit www.indianastate.edu/alumni.