Leandra Hayes-Burgess, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Benedict College As Vice President for Institutional Advancement, I serve as the external relations and chief fundraising officer for the College. I am responsible for working with all areas/departments of the College to develop meaningful external partnerships related to funding, research opportunities, economic development, and strategic initiatives. My previous roles include: Senior Development Director, University of Miami; Assistant Vice President for Major and Planned Gifts, Claflin University; Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Talladega College; Director of Development, Bennett College for Women; and Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Director of Alumni Affairs at Livingstone College. My degrees and certifications include: Bachelor of Arts degree in communication arts, Johnson C. Smith University; Master of Arts degree in philanthropy and development, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota; a certificate in Management and Leadership from Harvard University, and I am a Certified Fund Raising Executive.