“Those schools that have more success are the ones that build a structure and a plan around diversity and inclusiveness that is both internally focused and externally focused.”

– Matthew Winston

In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Joan Bahner speaks with Matthew Winston, former senior associate vice president for alumni relations at Virginia Tech, about diversity and inclusion in university advancement. Through their discussion, Matt explains why diversity and inclusion is a critical aspect of university advancement and answers:

• What areas in advancement typically fall short when thinking of diversity and inclusion.
• How advancement professionals can keep diversity and inclusion in mind when communicating on behalf of the university.
• What advice he has for an advancement professional looking to improve diversity and inclusion at their institutions.

About Our Guest

Matthew Winston Jr. is a seasoned advancement professional with years of experience in higher education. Most recently, he spent five years as the senior associate vice president for alumni relations at Virginia Tech where he managed the university’s alumni engagement programs, the office of special events, and a 29,000 sq. ft. alumni center. 

Prior to his tenure at Virginia Tech, Winston served as the assistant to the president at the University of Georgia. There, Winston was a presidential speechwriter and provided counsel to the university leadership in many critical areas, including community and alumni relations, intercollegiate athletics, student life, institutional diversity, institutional advancement, and campus safety issues. While at Georgia, he also served as acting director of the university’s Office of Institutional Diversity. 

Winston has served on several volunteer boards and organizations in a variety of roles, including president of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors. Additionally, he has been  a member of the Virginia Tech Real Estate Foundation Board of Directors and the Pamplin College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council. Winston has also been active with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), having served on its International Board of Trustees from 2010 to 2013, its Commission on Communications and Marketing from 2009 to 2011, and as the faculty chair of the Minority Advancement Institute in 2017.

Winston has received several awards and honors for his service to Virginia Tech and higher education. He received the Influential Black Alumnus Award from Virginia Tech in 2012. He has also received the CASE District III Distinguished Service Award in 2016 and the CASE District III Professional Development Award in 2009.

Follow Matt: @VTMattWins
Learn more about Virginia Tech: vt.edu