Beginning Nov. 1, Braylin Laster will bring his personal insight into the Southwest Tennessee Community College student experience as the new associate vice president (AVP) for Institutional Advancement and Resource Development.
Growing up in the inner city in a family of eight children, Laster, according to a Southwest media release, understands the benefits of a community college and the financial opportunities available to students. Without philanthropic giving, attending Lane College would have been almost impossible. He is a first-generation college graduate and scholarship recipient.
“We faced many financial challenges growing up,” said Laster, a Little Rock native. “I got a scholarship to attend college. Now, it’s time to pay it forward and create financial opportunities for other students.
“I am honored to join the Southwest Tennessee Community College team. I look forward to developing fundraising and alumni engagement programs to support student initiatives and fund student scholarships.”
Laster will provide strategic direction, vision, and management of the College’s overall institutional advancement efforts. He will lead and manage its philanthropy strategy to grow the institution’s financial resources, and engage donors, foundations, and corporations to secure a deep and sustainable investment in the College’s programs, student success, and faculty and staff development.
Since 2017, Laster has served as the director of Alumni Affairs for Lane College, procuring more than six million dollars to support Lane College’s mission, programs, and services.
“Braylin brings to the College a proven track record of success in philanthropic strategy and relationship building, exactly what we seek to expand our educational opportunities and services for students,” said Southwest Tennessee Community College President Dr. Tracy D. Hall. “We look forward to what the future brings.”
Laster received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lane College in 2017 and a Master of Business Administration from Bethel University in 2022.
In 2019, Laster was among 31 local business professionals to graduate from the Jackson Chamber’s 41st Leadership Jackson (LJ) class. In 2022, he served as vice president of Public Relations for the UNCF National Alumni Council (NAC) Board of Directors. He was awarded Exceptional Advisor of the Year at the 73rd UNCF National Alumni Council conference. He is an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. member and in the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA).
