Linda Kavan Named Senior Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Linda Kavan, an alumni relations professional with more than two decades of experience in higher education, is the new senior associate director of alumni relations at William Paterson.

Kavan, who joined the University on April 17, comes to the University from Montclair State University, where she served as associate director in the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, planning and implementing events for a wide variety of alumni groups. 

She is excited about joining the University. “As a first-generation college graduate, I identify with our alumni,” says Kavan. “I appreciate the opportunity to engage with incredible alumni who credit this institution for playing a part in where they are today. These are our true Willy P success stories!”

Prior to her role at Montclair, Kavan served as assistant director of events and conferences for the Office of Institutional Advancement at Ramapo College. During her 14 years at Ramapo, she was the lead logistics manager for numerous high-profile donor and campus-wide events and was the stage manager for the college’s Commencement ceremonies. Also, she was the lead staff member for Ramapo’s Learning Commons “Common Goals” display wall campaign, handling all fundraising and marketing components from inception to completion, and doubling the project’s financial goal from $50,000 to more than $110,000.

Previously, she was the associate director of events, alumni, and parent relations for Wesleyan University. In 2016, she received the President’s Staff Excellence in Service Award from Ramapo College.

She began her career as a trade show coordinator for McGraw-Hill Higher Education in New York, followed by a position as senior marketing and communications associate for United Way of the Capital Area in Hartford, Connecticut.

In 2016, Kavan founded Deck and Dash, a volunteer organization that assists children struggling with illness by providing surprise gifts and decorations during the holiday season. In recognition of her work, she was nominated in 2017 for a Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award. She is also a volunteer for the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation and has volunteered with the National Kidney Foundation.

A graduate of the University of Rhode Island (URI) with a bachelor of science degree in human development and family studies, Kavan is a volunteer with URI’s Parents Council.

06/13/23