A peer-to-peer discussion with 40-year veteran Duke University's philanthropic efforts and as a leading consultant at Grenzebach Glier & Associates.

🎙️Excelling at philanthropy is perhaps the most unfamiliar yet critical aspect to being a successful Dean.

In Episode 81 of the Deans Counsel Podcast, Robert Shepard shares his expertise forged from a storied career spanning roughly 40 years running Duke University's philanthropic efforts and currently as a consultant with Grenzebach, Glier & Associates.

This episode delivers a playbook for deans to master philanthropy and refine their engagement style. Bob also breaks down the nuances of navigating competing institutional imperatives and the unique philanthropic challenges specific to both private and public universities.

“You know this whole decentralized, centralized and the whole matrix structure is very complicated and very different in every single university, and that has to be worked through,” says Shepard.

Finally, Shepard shares his expert advice on three do’s and don'ts for successful donor engagement and a few surprising expectations from donors he experienced over the years.

A must listen for current and future academic leaders preparing to take on one of the most challenging and rewarding positions in higher education.

Listen to the full conversation here:

Photos courtesy of Duke