Alumni means family

Say hello to Tina Teaford, UAA's new director of alumni engagement. Even though Teaford recently started the job, she's no stranger to the university or community service.

Originally from Colorado Springs, Teaford first came to Alaska to work for Lake Clark National Park. After two summers living and working in the park, the only thing she was more sure of than going to law school was returning to live in Alaska.

As soon as Teaford graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law, she made good on her promise to return to Alaska and immediately moved to Anchorage to clerk for a Superior Court judge.

Outside of a brief run as a private practice attorney, the public sector is where Teaford felt most passionate. She held positions as a municipal prosecutor, assistant attorney general and finally magistrate judge where she spent the majority of her legal career.

During her climb up the legal ladder, Teaford also maintained a strong volunteer presence, donating her time to Anchorage Youth Court, Anchorage School District, United Nations and Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.

As a magistrate judge, Teaford presided over cases focusing on criminal offenses and allegations of domestic violence. Her duties required her to listen carefully, make well-reasoned decisions and maintain transparency - all characteristics that are essential to strengthening UAA's alumni connection.

"I love the aspect of providing a public service, but the role of a magistrate judge can be fairly isolating because of the need to remain neutral," Teaford shares. "Opening the door to higher education and having the opportunity to do more outreach and make personal connections is something that's incredibly exciting for me."

Teaford employs an analytical and measured approach. By using current data and asking new questions, she plans to not only build on what's already working, but develop new strategies to connect with alumni waiting to be engaged and even to students working to become alumni.

"I'm using this time to understand where we are and to listen. That's an ongoing process. Alumni are part of this family and get to direct what that family dynamic looks like, and we're here to facilitate that," says Teaford.

Since stepping into the position in July, Teaford has wasted no time in going on her listening tour. Having already become an integral part of the Alumni Association board of directors, Teaford has no shortage of praise for how satisfying her transition has been.

"This board is amazing and I'm honored by how welcoming they've been," she shared. "When I worked as a magistrate judge, there was often a winner and a loser. Alumni Relations is a win-win. To have everybody on the same page and excited to accomplish the same thing is fantastic."

The enjoyment of her new position came as no surprise to Teaford, who months before her first day caught an early glimpse at the enthusiasm of the Seawolf community

"I was letting people know that I was going over to UAA, and as soon as I'd say that, everybody had an experience to share," she recalls. "They were an alum or their children went here or they attended an event on campus. Everybody had a story, so instantly I felt this excitement and realized I was going to work with people who are happy to be engaged."

Not only is Teaford's move to Alumni Relations the culmination of a career in community service, but also a natural progression for someone whose family tree is made up almost exclusively by lawyers and educators. Even Teaford's husband, who is a lawyer by training, eventually became an administrator for the Anchorage School District.

"Those two professions have always been a strong part of our history and our family, so transitioning to higher education was a natural move for me and I'm excited to bring my career full circle," describes Teaford.

Written by Matt Jardin, UAA Office of University Advancement