Kayla Sanders wears a lot of hats as the University of Iowa (UI) College of Pharmacy’s alumni relations manager.

In recognition of all she does for the college, Sanders was named this year’s College of Pharmacy Staff of the Year Award honoree.  The award recognizes a staff member who demonstrates a commitment to excellence through an outstanding set of accomplishments and contributions that significantly benefit the College. 

Receiving the award was a big surprise for Sanders. 

“I would have never expected it, as there are so many other staff members who are doing wonderful things for the college,” she said. “I am truly honored and humbled, and receiving this award makes me feel like I’m doing something that truly makes a difference.”

That desire to make a difference is evident to her colleagues.

Said Director of External Relations Barbara Kelley, one of Sanders’ nominators, “Kayla consistently demonstrates care and concern for all individuals. She is professional, patient, listens well and has a high level of empathy. Perhaps one of the most endearing qualities about Kayla is how much she appreciates the people she works with – faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors. Kayla is very much invested in our college community.”

As alumni relations manager, Sanders gets to engage not only with alumni, but also students, faculty, staff, the UI Center for Advancement, and constituents in other areas.

A second nominator, Director of Admissions-PharmD Liz Davis, added, “Kayla is always willing to meet and go above and beyond in getting our team connected with alums who can help us with events we are hosting and connect them with prospective students who want to learn more about what pharmacists do.”

Sanders also hopes the recognition brings more awareness to her team’s role.

“We create, build, and maintain relationships,” she said. “We are the friend-raisers and communicators. We do a lot of behind-the-scenes work.”

Sanders visits with alumni to hear their stories and creates opportunities for them to become more involved with the college.  She works closely with the Genesis Board (an advisory board that consists of younger alumni who are charged with enhancing the student experience), plans grassroots initiatives, helps with admissions interviews, and much more.

“No day is ever the same for me,” she said.

Sanders first gained experience in fundraising and alumni relations in the Carver College of Medicine, where she filled in for a friend who was on maternity leave. 

“I left a full-time job with insurance and benefits for a temporary job with no insurance or benefits, just to get my foot in the door and gain experience at the University of Iowa,” she said.

That decision paid off, as once her position in the Carver College of Medicine ended, she was hired at the UI Center for Advancement, where she further developed a passion for alumni relations.

“Kayla consistently demonstrates care and concern for all individuals. She is professional, patient, listens well and has a high level of empathy" -- Barbara Kelley

After six years there, Sanders saw an alumni coordinator position open within the UI College of Pharmacy and decided to go for it.

“The position lined up with what I had been doing, but would also challenge me, which was what I needed,” she said. “I needed something more to my career and for it to have meaning. I knew it was just a matter of time that a perfect opportunity would come my way, and this was it.”

Nearly a decade later, Sanders continues to feel right at home in the UI College of Pharmacy.

“I have loved working at the college since my first day,” she said. “I don’t wake up and dread going to work. The external relations team has become my work family. I appreciate the trust and freedom to think outside the box my leaders have given me. They are phenomenal.”

As recipient of this year’s Staff of the Year Award, it seems that feeling is mutual.