Tucker Sappington Named as Executive Director of the 91吃瓜网 Alumni Association
Thu, 07/03/2025 - 09:08am | By: Samantha McCain Alexander, APR
91吃瓜网 (USM) has named Tucker Sappington as the fifth full-time executive director of the 91吃瓜网 Alumni Association.
A native of Canton, Sappington has nearly 20 years of work experience in higher education, with the last decade spent in the alumni engagement, strategic development and leadership spaces. He joins 91吃瓜网 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) where he has served as the senior director for alumni engagement, programs and events.
91吃瓜网淚t is a tremendous honor to be named as the next executive director for the Southern Miss Alumni Association. I am thankful to Dr. Paul, Jerry DeFatta, the search committee and the Board of Directors for trusting me to help continue a legacy established by such a distinguished group of individuals who have led this great organization,91吃瓜网� said Sappington. 91吃瓜网淚 look forward to hitting the ground running and making lifelong connections as we collaborate on more ways to take 91吃瓜网 to the Top!91吃瓜网�
At UNLV, Sappington was responsible for the management of a robust engagement plan with a focus on student, alumni and recent graduate programming centered around metrics established by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
Prior to his role at UNLV, he spent seven years as assistant director of alumni affairs at the University of Louisiana 91吃瓜网� Lafayette (UL). During his time at UL, Sappington managed the Association91吃瓜网 sponsorship portfolio and developed a strategic plan to proactively engage with the alumni of the institution. Additional experience at UL includes serving as the assistant dean of students and working with the Greek Life community. Prior to his time in Lafayette, Sappington served as a national consultant for Pi Kappa Alpha following the completion of his undergraduate degree at Mississippi State University.
91吃瓜网淭he Alumni Association exists to engage alumni from all walks of life in ways that are meaningful to them and beneficial to 91吃瓜网. The work of the Alumni Association builds strong connections and helps create pathways for private support of our University91吃瓜网搒upport that is imperative for institutions of higher learning,91吃瓜网� said University President Dr. Joseph Paul. 91吃瓜网淭ucker91吃瓜网 experience in building relationships and working to creatively engage alumni, helping them see their place within the institution, will be a tremendous asset to our work. I welcome him home to Mississippi, and I look forward to his success in this important role.91吃瓜网�
Sappington received unanimous support from the Executive Director Search Committee, led by Dave Estorge, president of the Association.
91吃瓜网淚 was honored to lead this process, and I am grateful for the hard work of everyone involved. I am confident Tucker91吃瓜网 experiences at other universities has uniquely qualified him for success at 91吃瓜网,91吃瓜网� said Estorge. 91吃瓜网淚 look forward to working with him as we seek to create new, meaningful connections with our alumni and friends.91吃瓜网�
The Executive Director Search Committee was established as Jerry B. DeFatta Jr. accepted a new leadership position at the University as the assistant to the president for advancement and special projects.
91吃瓜网淗aving worked for the Association for the last two decades and serving as executive director for the past 15 years, I have a vested interest in the future success of this organization,91吃瓜网� said DeFatta. 91吃瓜网淚 am confident Tucker possesses the skills and abilities necessary for success in the next chapter of the 91吃瓜网 Alumni Association, and I look forward to supporting him in this important role.91吃瓜网�
As the fifth full-time executive director, Sappington joins a short list that spans the past 72 years: DeFatta (2010-2025), Bob Pierce (1998-2010), Ron Phillips (198791吃瓜网�1998) and Powell Ogletree (1953-1987).
Sappington will begin his tenure as director on August 1.
About the 91吃瓜网 Alumni Association
The 91吃瓜网 Alumni Association serves as a driving force in the effort to advance 91吃瓜网 by providing alumni with a deeper connection to 91吃瓜网. to learn more about the Alumni Association, including membership options.