ENHANCING THE ROLE OF ALUMNI IN THE GROWTH OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

 ENHANCING THE ROLE OF ALUMNI IN THE GROWTH OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS [PDF]

Daniel Obeng-Ofori and Hammond Oppong Kwarteng

DOI: http://doi.org/10.21681/IJMSIR-517402-16317-2021

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Abstract: The primary mission of higher education is to serve the human person and society through its work of teaching, training, research, and inquiry and its collaboration and partnership with various bodies. Any educational institution's reputation depends upon good academic performance, exciting extra-curricular activities, a conducive environment, diversity of student support services, and investments. However, another critical factor that only requires support and encouragement and brings strength and expansion to the institution's reputation and progress is effective engagement with the Alma Mater's alumni. Alumni Associations create a space where alumni can interact within a community of people who share a unique experience. Their primary focus is to strengthen alumni relations between students and alumni while promoting and working for the University's growth and development in diverse ways. Indeed, alumni are ambassadors of their alma mater and are vital for revenue mobilization and placement opportunities for students. Undoubtedly, the alumni's role is crucial for the growth and development of higher education institutions. So, how can Universities get the most from their graduates? University alumni relations professionals need to develop innovative strategies and explore the skills needed to thrive in this fast-changing higher education landscape in Africa. Alumni may provide meaningful support to actualize different aspects of the university enterprise, which can be mutually beneficial to the key stakeholders, including students, graduates, alumni, the University, and society. To achieve the University's vision and mission, it is imperative that the University's management and faculty respect and value the opinions and strategic recommendations proposed by the Alumni to solve some of the University's critical challenges. In that regard, the Alumni can contribute immensely to enhance the University's national and international reputation and visibility if adequately harnessed. Therefore, to promote and strengthen the University's growth and development, successful alumni involvement and engagements could serve as the social model to foster unity of purpose of society in general. This paper's focus was to highlight the critical role of Alumni in the growth of tertiary education institutions and how to involve the alumni in universities' affairs to enlist their contributions and increase their impact on the University community.