Braylin Laster selected as Southwest’s new philanthropic AVP
By Marketing and Communications Staff
Southwest Tennessee Community College has selected Braylin Laster as the new Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Resource Development, effective Nov. 1, 2023.
In his position, Laster will provide strategic direction, vision, and management of the College’s overall institutional advancement efforts. He will lead and manage its philanthropy strategy to grow the institution’s financial resources, and engage donors, foundations, and corporations to secure a deep and sustainable investment in the College’s programs, student success, and faculty and staff development.
“Braylin brings to the College a proven track record of success in philanthropic strategy
and relationship building, exactly what we seek to expand our educational opportunities
and services for students,” said Southwest Tennessee Community College President Dr.
Tracy D. Hall. “We look forward to what the future brings.”
For Laster, the community college experience is personal. Growing up in the inner
city in a family of eight children, he understands the benefits of a community college
and the financial opportunities available to students. Without philanthropic giving,
attending Lane College, his alma mater, would have been almost impossible. He is a
first-generation college graduate and scholarship recipient.
“We faced many financial challenges growing up,” Laster said. “I got a scholarship
to attend college. Now, it’s time to pay it forward and create financial opportunities
for other students. I am honored to join the Southwest Tennessee Community College
team! I look forward to developing fundraising and alumni engagement programs to support
student initiatives and fund student scholarships.”
Since 2017, the Little Rock, Ark., native has served as the director of Alumni Affairs
for Lane College, procuring more than six million dollars to support Lane College’s
mission, programs, and services.
Laster received a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Lane College in 2017 and an MBA from Bethel University in 2022. As director of Alumni Affairs, Laster launched an Alumni & Friends e-Newsletter, developed the Lane College 20 Under Forty Young Alumni Society, and chaired the Lane College Homecoming Committee.
In 2019, Laster was among 31 local business professionals to graduate from the Jackson Chamber’s 41st Leadership Jackson (LJ) class. In 2022, he served as Vice President of Public Relations for the UNCF National Alumni Council (NAC) Board of Directors. He was awarded Exceptional Advisor of the Year at the 73rd UNCF National Alumni Council conference. He is an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. member and in the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA).
Welcome to Southwest, Braylin!
In This Issue...
- Southwest, ACT partner to help local businesses and industries grow a skilled workforce
- Braylin Laster selected as Southwest’s new philanthropic AVP
- Erica Hughes joins Southwest as AVP of Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness
- Simplify your note-taking with GLEAN
- NHSA and MATA help shorten the distance from bus stop to Southwest’s Head Start center
- Southwest welcomes LeVetta Hudson as vice president of People & Culture
- Southwest selects Lynn Maples as new Strategic Communication Specialist
- Reviewing Southwest Tennessee Community College’s policies
- Carrico and Benson named All-TCCAA
- Student Spotlight: Mary Murphy
- Southwest hires Victoria Brown for Public Relations Coordinator
- Welcome Aboard!
- Lennon Pearson honored with TBR Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans
- MLT service-learning day motivates MDHS students to pursue allied health sciences careers
- Patrick O’Daniel publishes book on notorious Memphis criminal Diggs Nolen
- Southwest’s Leadership Institute inducts 17 members
- Nationally recognized abstract artist exhibit on display at Bert Bornblum Art Gallery
- Data Summit Recap