Intro by King Musa
“Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It’s your man, King Musa! Welcome to The Cheat Sheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners.
Today, we’re diving into the world of university growth and development. Our focus is on how institutions like Stephen F. Austin State University are advancing their mission through alumni engagement, fundraising, and strategic partnerships.
Joining us is Mrs. Jill Still, Vice President for University Advancement at SFA. Jill has dedicated 30 years to helping the university grow, leading efforts to build strong relationships with alumni and the community. We’re excited to learn about her journey and the incredible impact university advancement has on the future of SFA. Welcome, Mrs. Still!”
Getting to Know Mrs. Jill Still
King Musa: “Welcome, Mrs. Still! Let’s start light—it’s October, and Halloween is coming up. What’s your favorite Halloween costume?”
Jill Still: “Thanks for having me, Musa! My favorite costume is Ricky Bobby’s wife from Talladega Nights. It’s a classic! I don’t even remember the year, but I hope no one can find a picture of it.”
KM: “Haha, I’ll keep my eyes peeled on social media! Now, can you introduce yourself and what you do at SFA?”
JS: “Of course. I’ve been with SFA for 30 years—this month, actually! I work in university advancement, which focuses on fundraising, alumni relations, and, more recently, university marketing and communications. Essentially, it’s about building relationships and sharing SFA’s story to support the university’s mission.”
Personal Background and Passions
KM: “Where are you from, and how did you find your way into university administration?”
JS: “I was born and raised in Nacogdoches, but when it came time for college, I was ready to spread my wings. I earned my bachelor’s at Texas A&M in retail studies and marketing. After working in Dallas for a couple of years, I moved back to Nacogdoches to marry my husband. That’s when someone approached me about a job at SFA. I didn’t know much about fundraising at the time, but I quickly realized it’s all about relationships and sharing what makes SFA special.”
KM: “When you’re not busy with work, what do you enjoy doing?”
JS: “I’m an empty nester now—my husband and I recently sent our youngest off to college. We’re figuring out our hobbies, but we love working out, being active outdoors, and staying involved in our church and the Nacogdoches community.”
Vision for University Advancement
KM: “What’s your vision for university advancement at SFA?”
JS: “University advancement is about more than just fundraising. It’s about supporting the university as a whole—whether that’s increasing enrollment, retaining students, or helping alumni feel connected. For example, we recently completed a capital campaign that raised over $120 million, mostly for endowments and scholarships. These funds create opportunities for students and ensure SFA’s success for years to come.”
KM: “How does university marketing play a role in this vision?”
JS: “Marketing is critical for recruiting students and spreading the word about what SFA offers. We’re focused on creating a website and social media presence that speaks to prospective students and their families. It’s about showcasing the programs, organizations, and opportunities that make SFA unique.”
Challenges and Insights
KM: “What challenges have you faced in your role?”
JS: “One of the biggest challenges has been leadership turnover. Between 2018 and now, we’ve had several changes in university presidents. That instability can make fundraising harder because donors want to see consistency. But under Dr. Weaver’s leadership, we’re rebuilding trust and creating a strategic plan to move forward.”
KM: “What advice would you give students for getting the most out of their time at SFA?”
JS: “Get involved! Join a student organization, take on a leadership role, and connect with others who share your interests. It’s not just about academics—those experiences help you grow and prepare for life after college.”
Outro by King Musa
“Mrs. Still, thank you for sharing your journey and the incredible work being done at SFA.
To all our listeners, remember that success comes from building connections and staying committed to your goals. Whether you’re a student, alumnus, or supporter, your involvement makes a difference.
This is your man, King Musa, signing off. Keep growing, keep advancing, and keep telling your story. Peace!”
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