Please join us in welcoming Robin Mitchell to the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries as Chief Advancement Officer. Prior to joining the Libraries, Robin was Executive Director of Development for University Priorities at the University of Virginia managing a team of frontline fundraisers focused on generating philanthropic support for the University Library, scholarships, global initiatives, reunions, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and undergraduate and graduate student enrichment. She has held similar fundraising, strategy development, and leadership positions at Northwestern University and Loyola University Chicago.
We asked Robin, who uses she/her/hers pronouns, a few questions about herself and her plans for her new role.
What are your goals for this year as our new Chief Advancement Officer?
I am so excited to learn more about the people in the Libraries and the incredible work you all are doing. The more I know about you the better equipped I am to tell our alumni and constituents your stories and make a compelling case for philanthropic support. Additionally, I look forward to developing an advancement plan that will serve as a roadmap to meet our aspirational goals as an organization.
How has your prior experience prepared you for this role at the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries?
I have led the advancement strategy for two university research libraries prior to coming to CMU. The most successful of the two experiences was at the University of Virginia where I led a $100M campaign which included the renovation of their flagship library. I love telling donors about the critical role libraries play in the student and faculty experience and how cutting-edge programs, projects, and innovation often start at the library.
What projects are you excited to tackle in your first few months?
There are so many! In addition to meeting our donors, I look forward to collaborating with all of you on a variety of activities and initiatives, hosting meaningful events that showcase our talent, spaces and collections, and finding philanthropic opportunities to help achieve our goals.
What do you like to do outside of work?
My family and I like to spend time outdoors. We spend much time on walks with our dog, but also enjoy hiking and biking. I try to make time for creative projects when I can. I have a background in photography and printmaking so I dabble in my free time. Additionally, I crochet and make modular/geometric origami. Listening to music is a passion my husband and I share. We have a pretty great set up at home and we go to performances when we can.