Carol Packard, Lehigh’s vice president for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), joined the university in April 2024. She previously served as associate vice president for colleges and units at Cornell University, following her role as associate dean for alumni affairs and development in the College of Engineering at Cornell. Before Cornell, Packard spent nearly a decade at her alma mater, Penn State University, where she advanced from a role as a gift officer in the College of the Liberal Arts to a leadership position in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. A Pennsylvania native, she earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature, graduating as a Schreyer Honors Scholar, and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Penn State.
What initially drew you to Lehigh?
I met with President Joe Helble ’82 in December 2023, and I knew then that I had to join Lehigh’s community. There is something deeply inspiring about how engaged and genuine everyone is here. Lehigh is smart, well-rounded, and focused on delivering a rigorous education that will produce the next generation of influential and inspirational leaders. That alone was attractive to me. I also think that Lehigh is on the precipice of something much bigger and that we are carving out a unique space in a really noisy and crowded higher education environment. I wanted to be a part of that process and shape a future where Lehigh and everyone in its community can continue to make a difference in the world.
I am guessing that excitement about Lehigh’s momentum and progress makes the difference when talking with alumni.
Exactly. You have to believe in what you're doing in order to inspire engagement and investment from others.
Our day-to-day work in DAR is focused on creating the right environment for those relationships to flourish.
The work in development and alumni relations is about forming enduring relationships with people who deeply care about Lehigh. It is our responsibility to foster those lifelong and meaningful connections with our community of alumni, parents, staff, and friends. Our day-to-day work in DAR is focused on creating the right environment for those relationships to flourish. It is not just about philanthropy, though that is an essential part. We also help people remain engaged and connected with a place and people they care about. Yet, not everyone interested in supporting Lehigh will know where to go to begin. Our job is to meet them wherever they may be and help them navigate and engage with the institution in the ways that are most compelling to them.
You officially started in development in 2008. What was it like to return to PSU as an alumna?
At Penn State, I found my calling, my purpose. As a first-generation college student, I know how education changes lives. It 100% changed my life and is now also impacting the lives of my children. Being involved in our industry, helping people to discover ways to support an institution that they care about while also helping generations of students was gratifying. And, of course, I worked with some incredible people, along the way who all helped make me the leader I am today.
What were some of the lessons you took with you from your first role?
I started at Penn State in May 2008, and then in October the market crashed. In hindsight, it was a rewarding experience to work through. As a gift officer, I learned that you must be resilient, patient, and keenly focused on building relationships to succeed. Those lessons have stayed with me as I work with Lehigh’s administration, Board of Trustees, alumni, faculty, and friends today.
Tell me about how you approach leadership and decision-making.
I am a systems thinker, which means that I tend to see both the big picture and the nuanced ways in which our work and our worlds are intertwined. However — and I must stress this key point — decisions cannot be made without both quantitative and qualitative information. You may have all the best data, but what truly makes the difference is the people around you who will help lead and execute on a shared vision. For that to happen, you need a vibrant culture that is people focused.
Is that something you are building in Development and Alumni Relations at Lehigh?
I am not building it alone; I am creating it with every person in our department. I was lucky enough to walk into a situation in which I inherited a hard-working team that was and continues to be committed and passionate. My role is to empower each person individually and as a group to refine and hone their skills and talents. I want our team to wake up every day knowing that they're working in an environment that's supportive. I would like them to feel like they can take calculated risks for growth and continue pursuing innovative ideas and thrive personally and professionally. And, to support Lehigh’s Inspiring the Future Makers strategy, we must have a culture willing to show up for one another every single day.
Okay, Carol. Now for some rapid questions. Are you ready?
Let’s go!
You’ve experienced a lot of Lehigh firsts so far, from Reunion to our victory at our 160th Rivalry Game. Any takeaways?
A very difficult question. Of course, I was thrilled to see our football team crush Lafayette. And I loved the energy on campus when meeting with new Lehigh students and their families at Family and Founder’s Weekend.
I feel like there's something in the air here, and it's not just at Lehigh. It's Bethlehem; it's the Lehigh Valley; and it's the community itself moving through an evolution and building a different identity.
What sticks out to me so far is the warmth of our community. I feel like there's something in the air here, and it's not just at Lehigh. It's Bethlehem; it's the Lehigh Valley; and it's the community itself moving through an evolution and building a different identity. And I am curious about what's on the other side of that and 100% want to be a part of it.
What are some fun things you and your family are doing in the Lehigh Valley?
Well, it is the region for festivals, so we’ve had a chance to attend a few of those. Both of my daughters love — perhaps a bit too much — Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop on the north side. We also live near the Saucon Rail Trail and enjoy walking there. And, as a bonus, our favorite restaurant, PA House, is right off the trail, so local alumni and Lehigh friends may see us there often!
As an avid reader, do you have any favorites that come to mind?
An unfair question!
Okay, how about your top three books on leadership?
Still hard, but more manageable. This is not in any order. One Bold Move a Day by Shanna Hocking. You Have More Influence Than You Think by Vanessa Bohns, and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.
Last question: What advice would you give someone starting in a leadership role?
I can't emphasize enough how important it is for you to be yourself. Don't be what you think you should be. Bring your authenticity, transparency, expertise, and confidence to every conversation. Stand authentically in your truth. Because to effectively lead other people, they have to believe you. And you have to believe in yourself before anyone else will.
Looking for ways to support or connect with Lehigh? Please feel free to contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations to learn more about how you can rise to the moment and shape Lehigh’s future. Please call (866) 758-2586 or email GOcampaign@lehigh.edu.
