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Braylin Laster selected as Southwest’s new philanthropic AVP

By Marketing and Communications Staff

Braylin LasterSouthwest Tennessee Community College has selected Braylin Laster as the new Associate Vice President  for Institutional Advancement and Resource Development, effective Nov. 1, 2023. 

In his position, 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. 

“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.”
 
For Laster, the community college experience is personal. Growing up in the inner city in a family of eight children, he understands the benefits of a community college and the financial opportunities available to students. Without philanthropic giving, attending Lane College, his alma mater, would have been almost impossible. He is a first-generation college graduate and scholarship recipient. 

“We faced many financial challenges growing up,” Laster said. “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.”
 
Since 2017, the Little Rock, Ark., native 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.

Laster received a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Lane College in 2017 and an MBA from Bethel University in 2022. As director of Alumni Affairs, Laster launched an Alumni & Friends e-Newsletter, developed the Lane College 20 Under Forty Young Alumni Society, and chaired the Lane College Homecoming Committee.

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).

Welcome to Southwest, Braylin!