Sandra L. Campbell
Director, Advancement Operations, Office of Institutional Advancement
Presidential Distinguished Staff Award 2009-2010, Professional Staff

As director of advancement operations, Sandra L. “Sandy” Campbell leads planning and execution of events that are central to creating community among students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Over the last 10 years, her work has touched the lives of thousands with superbly executed events, from the Convocation ceremony welcoming new students to Commencement and Homecoming. Campbell has been involved with a number of signature events such as the UMBC 40th Anniversary, the Maryland Forum and the Meyerhoff 20th Dinner and Symposium. Working behind the scenes, Campbell is deeply committed to excellence in managing every detail of these highly visible and complex events.

While Campbell could direct university events from a great distance, her approach is much more grounded and hands-on. Knowing that successful events are based on the staff and volunteers who keep them, she takes the time to cultivate relationships, making a point to leave people feeling appreciated. She goes out of her way to understand and meet the special needs of graduating seniors and their families at Commencement events.

In addition to working on a large scale, Campbell also attends carefully to the details of managing large events. She establishes high standards for the appearance of events and consistently achieves them. She created an events checklist that is available to the campus and is a resource for others undertaking events. She also tracks event expenditures carefully, working continually to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

The scope of Campbell’s position goes beyond events. She directs the daily operations of the Division of Institutional Advancement, including payroll, personnel, finance and budgets. She is a liaison to the University System of Maryland Foundation and answers campus questions and concerns about Foundation policies and procedures. In addition, she works closely with other departments on campus as well as external partners and vendors.

Campbell always takes a can-do approach and a positive attitude. She functions as a campus leader through not only her work but her positive approach to event execution.

Campbell received a B.A. in Education with a Minor in Chemistry from Muskingum College in Ohio and a M.B.A. from Loyola College.