USAO names Whitney Palesano director of alumni relations
The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma welcomes alumna and Chickasha community member Whitney Palesano as the new director for alumni relations. She will assume the role on August 1.
Palesano brings with her a wealth of professional experience, most recently serving as the membership and operations director for the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce. In that role, she developed a proven track record of successfully fostering strong member relationships and driving successful fundraising initiatives. She has also developed and implemented comprehensive engagement strategies that have strengthened connections between the Chamber and the Chickasha business community.
"I am thrilled to return to my alma mater as the director of alumni relations. This role allows me to give back to the institution that has shaped my personal and professional journey,” said Palesano. “I am grateful for the opportunities I had at the Chickasha Chamber of Commerce as that experience has equipped me with invaluable skills in strengthening relationships and fostering community engagement, and I am eager to bring this expertise to the university. Together, I am confident we will continue to create lasting connections and opportunities that will benefit our alumni and students for years to come."
As director, Palesano will be responsible for fostering relationships with alumni, managing fundraising initiatives and enhancing the university’s relationship with the larger Chickasha community. Additionally, she will oversee the USAO Alumni Association Scholarship program.
"Whitney's extensive experience and her deep connection to the Chickasha community make her an extraordinary addition to our team," said JP Audas, senior vice president for external relations. "We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will bring to our alumni relations and development efforts."
Marissa Moore, associate director of alumni relations and university development, also shared her enthusiasm. “I’m so excited to welcome Whitney. She and I share deep roots in Chickasha and a passion for community engagement. I can’t wait to collaborate and see all the innovative ways we can bring our community and alumni together.”
Palesano graduated from USAO in 2010 with a bachelor’s in psychology and minors in business and liberal arts. Palesano currently serves on the USAO Alumni Association Board of Directors and USAO Foundation Board of Trustees. She also serves as a board member for LifeChoices in Chickasha and is a graduate of Leadership Chickasha Class of 2019.
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly-changing world.