Following extensive searches, the Ole Miss Alumni Association made organizational changes in November as two current staff members accepted new roles and responsibilities.
Mary Kate Skelton (BS 18) was hired for the newly created position of alumni fundraising director. Skelton will remain in the alumni office, but she will work closely with the Office of Development. Her focus will be on raising funds to build a new Triplett Alumni Center and on projects needed throughout The Inn at Ole Miss.
Skelton joined the Alumni Association staff in June 2022 as assistant director where she worked as the alumni liaison for UM’s Patterson School of Accountancy, School of Business Administration and School of Pharmacy. Skelton received a bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communications from UM’s School of Journalism and New Media in 2018 and a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi State University in 2021. As an undergraduate, she was a member of the women’s soccer team where she served as captain. Prior to joining the Alumni Association staff, Smith served as a business account executive for Howard Technology Solutions.
Savannah Dye (BS 21, MS 23) was hired as assistant director to fill Skelton’s previous role. Dye will work with the Schools of Accountancy, Business Administration and Pharmacy on their engagement efforts including reunions, Hall of Fame awards and more. In addition to these responsibilities, Dye will work with various constituency groups to provide engagement services.
Dye joined the Alumni Association staff in 2021 as a special events assistant before being promoted to club coordinator, where she worked with alumni clubs outside Mississippi to coordinate in-person meetings, game watch parties, summer picnics and more.
She received a bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communications from UM’s School of Journalism and New Media and a master’s degree in hospitality management. As an undergraduate, she was a Rebelette and member of Delta Gamma Fraternity.
OMAA CEO Kirk Purdom (BA 93) said he is confident both Skelton and Dye will excel in their new positions.
“Mary Kate and Savannah have both been tremendous assets to the Alumni Association, and I’m excited to see them grow in their new roles,” Purdom said. “Their great initiative and work ethic combined with their existing experience on our staff will continue to serve alumni and friends well.”
To make a gift or learn more about supporting the new Triplett Alumni Center project, contact Skelton at marykate@olemissalumni.com or 662-915-2377. For more information on the Alumni Association’s mission, programming and benefits, visit olemissalumni.com.