You might not personally know Megan Black, but chances are you have heard of or participated in some of the initiatives her department spearheads. Her team leads the charge for UNLV’s Rebels Give and Giving Tuesday crowdfunding events and other yearly fundraising drives. They also facilitate the UNLV faculty and staff scholarship Holiday Card Tree and employee giving.
As director of annual giving in the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, Black seems to find endless enthusiasm while engaging students, faculty and staff, alumni, and other donors through fundraising and recognition programs. She’s learned to stay positive despite hearing “no” frequently and loves that she gets to be a champion and cheerleader for UNLV – because she wouldn’t have it any other way.
What has your team been working on this fall?
Aside from Giving Tuesday, which just wrapped up, we’ve been trying to find ways to make giving to UNLV easier and showing that every gift, no matter the size, makes an impact.
Nothing is worse for fundraising than a complicated donation process. We recently completed the process for UNLV Foundation to accept digital payments through Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Android Pay for crowdfunding donations, we launched an online employee payroll deduction form, and we’re always striving to streamline the donation process through the Rebel Raiser portal and online.
We’ve also rolled out a new program for students called Rebel Legacy, where students can leave their mark on UNLV by donating an amount equivalent to their graduation year (2022 equals $20.22, 2023 equals $20.23, etc.). Students who contribute will receive a generosity cord to wear at graduation.
And now that the tax year is closing, we’re helping donors with year-end giving.
You moved to Las Vegas four years ago. What drew you to UNLV?
UNLV was the first place I looked at when my husband received a job in Las Vegas. I worked at a couple of higher ed institutions before moving to Las Vegas, but UNLV is an integral part of the city. I knew I wanted to be at a place making an impact. I worked as associate director of development for the UNLV School of Nursing for three years. Last year, I moved to the Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement to become the director of annual giving.
How did you end up in higher ed fundraising?
My first internship was in the alumni relations office at Creighton University. I got to participate in homecoming, reunions, and donor events. It gave me a taste of what working in higher ed would be like. I then started my marketing career and presented economic and personal finance education to teachers and students. The lesson plans varied from wants vs. needs to monetary policy. I became comfortable talking about money in many different aspects. Then it seemed like a smooth transition to go into higher ed fundraising.
What do you think is the most underrated part of campus?
I may be biased from working there, but the School of Nursing is underrated. They have received so many national recognitions and rankings in the last few years that I’m surprised it’s not talked about even more! And without a doubt, the students, faculty, and alumni are some of the best people and welcomed me when I first came to Las Vegas. Plus, my office window in Bigelow Health Sciences had a spectacular view of the mountains I now miss.
What was your biggest misconception about UNLV or Las Vegas before you arrived?
I thought Las Vegas would be just one big desert with sand and palm trees and then The Strip. I was shocked when I saw the mountains, and it’s been a pleasant surprise how beautiful the campus is with the trees and landscaping. The facilities team does an incredible job maintaining the campus, and I love bringing guests to walk around to show off UNLV.
Where did you get your work ethic?
My mom. She has worked in marketing and communications for health care and higher education. Growing up, I saw how hard she worked and her colleagues’ respect for her. Her coworkers have said they enjoy working with her countless times. At the same time, she was and still is always there for my siblings and me. Work-life balance was not a term back then, but she nailed it.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I love college basketball – especially my alma mater, Creighton Bluejays! I can watch any game, however. March Madness is my favorite time of year.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
If I weren’t in fundraising, I would be a baker. I enjoy the science and precision needed to create the perfect cookie. I used to bake cookies on the side for events, weddings, and farmers’ markets. My family loves being my test tasters. Everyone has their favorite, but my chocolate chip cookies are the most popular. I sprinkle a little sea salt on top.
