Katie Mathis
Katie (Katherine) Mathis is the Director of Development at the University of Florida College of Medicine, where she leads initiatives to strengthen alumni engagement, philanthropy, and mentorship programs. With a focus on building meaningful relationships and driving impact, Katie has successfully developed programs like the 30-Minute Mentoring initiative, connecting students with alumni across multiple specialties to explore career paths and gain practical insights. Her work emphasizes strategic collaboration, fostering community, and creating opportunities for professional growth.
Prior to her current role, Katie held leadership positions in development and alumni relations at the University of Arizona Foundation and Johns Hopkins University & Medicine. In these roles, she honed her expertise in donor relations, program management, and communications, consistently achieving measurable outcomes in fundraising and stakeholder engagement. Katie’s career reflects a commitment to serving both educational institutions and the broader community with professionalism, creativity, and purpose.
Katie earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Stevenson University, graduating summa cum laude, and holds an associate’s degree in General Studies from CCBC Essex, graduating magna cum laude. She has also completed executive certifications in Communication from The Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School. Her educational foundation, combined with her practical experience, enables her to bridge strategy and relationship-building effectively, driving meaningful impact in higher education development.
• Executive Certification
• Stevenson University
• CCBC Essex
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, the incredible support of my community, and a commitment to working hard while trusting the process. These pillars have guided me through challenges and helped me stay focused on my goals.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to do what you love, and the money will follow. Focusing on passion and purpose has helped me stay motivated and find fulfillment in my work.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the field is to find a supportive community and a mentor you can trust. Having guidance and encouragement makes navigating challenges easier and helps you grow both professionally and personally.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is navigating the economy—ensuring we maintain strong relationships with existing donors while also finding ways to engage and attract new supporters. It’s a balancing act that requires both strategy and creativity.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, transparency, and trust. I believe that building strong relationships—whether with colleagues, donors, or community members—depends on being genuine, open, and reliable.