Director of Leadership Annual Giving for McMurry University Division of Institutional Advancement

07/25/2022 Alumni Spotlight

Kenna Hogan '13

Kenna Hogan’s history degree led to jobs in curation and development for the Old Jail Art Center in Albany, TX, and the Taylor County History Center in Buffalo Gap, TX. She joined McMurry’s Institutional Advancement team in June as Director of Leadership Annual Giving and looks forward to connecting and building relationships with donors and stewarding their gifts to achieve the legacy they want to create.

Briefly describe your current role:

I work with the incredible team in the McMurry Advancement Office! In my current role, I specifically work with donors that are members of the President’s Council and donors that are a part of the Centennial 100.

How did you get started in a career in your current sector / industry?

I began my career working in a small nonprofit, where I received the opportunity to learn about how the programs and mission of the nonprofit were supported through fundraising and development. I am very thankful for that experience because that is where I developed a passion for this field!

What do you most enjoy about your sector / industry / job?

Our work in the Advancement Office supports the mission of the University and every McMurry student, and it’s such a rewarding feeling seeing the meaningful impact our McMurry donors make in students’ lives.

How is your current career the same, or different, than what you thought it would be when you began college?

Different! I was a history major with a minor in heritage and cultural tourism, and my internships and interests as a student were focused on working in museum collections and curating.

What words of advice do you have for McMurry students or fellow alumni interested in a career in your sector or industry?

Spend time researching the websites of multiple nonprofits to make sure that their mission aligns with your passions and values and call and request an internship. Interning at a nonprofit organization is a great way to develop skills, gain valuable experience, and form relationships with people that could be future mentors.