Expertise
Alumni Relations, Donor Relations, Customer Service, Communications and Marketing, Fundraising, Volunteer Engagement, Event PlanningResearch Interests
Leadership, Philanthropy, Higher Education AdministrationEducation
- BA in History, UMass Lowell
- MA in Regional, Economic Development, UMass Lowell
- Ph.D. in Leadership in Education, UMass Lowell
Biosketch
Heather Makrez Allen serves as Executive Director of Alumni & Donor Relations at UMass Lowell. She has over 15 years of experience as a leader in higher education with a demonstrated passion for student access, alumni engagement, stewardship, university and community partnerships. She has published in journals and books on topics ranging from social media strategy to fundraising.
She is an advocate for creating a comprehensive alumni relations program that offers entry points back to the university to create mutually beneficial partnerships with alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community and redefining the traditional perception of her field.
Prior to this role she was the Director of International Programs at UMass Dartmouth, and before that held a position in the President’s Office of the UMass System in Academic Affairs. Makrez Allen is also a member of CASE, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, the Annual Giving Network and serves on non-profit boards within the community.
She received her B.A. in History, M.A. in Regional Economic and Social Development and her Ph.D. in Leadership from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Selected Publications
Who Makes It Rain. University Presidents. Social Identities, and Fundraising. Dissertation. May 2021.Redefining Alumni Relations. Makrez, H. & Feudo, J. Journal of Education Advancement & Marketing, 3 (1), 6-17 (2018)
Higher Education Administration with Social Media, Including Applications in Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Alumni Relations and Career Centers. Wankel, L., Wankel, C., Makrez, H. 2011. Emerald.