Stephanie Burnside
Stephanie Burnside is a higher education advancement professional serving as Assistant Director of Advancement Services at Thomas More University. In this role, she oversees gift processing, endowment stewardship, donor and alumni data management, and event and administrative support, helping drive strategic growth and community engagement. Known for her ethical leadership and collaborative approach, she plays a key role in strengthening relationships that support the university’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Her work is grounded in a philosophy of connection, stewardship, and helping individuals find meaningful ways to invest in education and causes that matter. Burnside brings more than a decade of experience in higher education, including approximately six years in advancement and development. She has grown her career from administrative roles into prospect research, relationship-building, and systems development, earning promotions by identifying organizational needs and building processes that improve efficiency and impact.
A proud Thomas More University alumna, Burnside earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2024, receiving the Lifelong Learner Award, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Organizational and Ethical Leadership. She is actively involved in the Association of Fundraising Professionals, serving on the board of the Greater Cincinnati chapter, and maintains professional engagement with CASE. Her work reflects a deep commitment to lifelong learning, community building, and mission-driven service.
• Thomas More University
• Lifelong Learner Award
• Association of Fundraising Professionals
• CASE
• Let's Go Lance
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible support system around me. My colleagues have been collaborative, encouraging, and always willing to share their knowledge, which has made a huge difference in my growth at Thomas More. I’m also deeply grateful for the steady support of my partner and family—their belief in me keeps me grounded and motivated. Building and leaning into a strong community has truly been key to both my professional and personal journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve ever received was to “schedule your worry.” Instead of letting concerns take over your thinking all day, set aside a specific time to think through what’s bothering you and decide if action is actually needed. That mindset helps prevent stress from driving decisions in the moment. It creates space to respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally, which leads to clearer judgment and better outcomes over time.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Higher education advancement has strong growth potential, especially at smaller institutions where relationships with donors and alumni can be more personal and mission-driven. At the same time, many teams face challenges with limited staffing and the need to build processes that can support expanding goals. The opportunity is to create stronger systems and show how advancement work directly drives institutional sustainability, engagement, and long-term impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me both personally and professionally are community and support, building meaningful relationships, lifelong learning, and educating and empowering others to reach their full potential.