Dear Members of the TC Community,

I am excited to share with you that Roberta Albert will join Teachers College as Vice President for Institutional Advancement beginning on May 31, 2024. In this role, Roberta will lead our fundraising and communications efforts to raise the profile of the College and ensure its ongoing support, and she will serve as a member of my cabinet.

Roberta received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Barnard College and her Master’s in Arts Administration from Teachers College. She brings to TC extensive experience in fundraising and alumni development, as well as a deep understanding of how to work with philanthropists and academic leaders to shape capital and programmatic commitments. Roberta has also managed and recruited Dean’s Advisory Councils, including recruiting new board members and developing committees. Embedded in her work is a passion to increase scholarship and programmatic support for all students, providing more equitable access to institutions such as TC.

Since 2010, Roberta has been the Associate Dean of Development at Columbia University School of the Arts. During her time at Columbia, she staffed the committee on Manhattanville, a Presidential-level task force that provided input and, ultimately, significant support for the development of Columbia’s Manhattanville campus. She also partnered with the Dean of the School of the Arts to fully transform the school’s philanthropic program. She has taken part in two Columbia University multi-billion-dollar campaigns, leading and participating in efforts supporting scholarships, programming and the new Lenfest Center for the Arts.

Prior to her work at Columbia, Roberta spent eight years at Barnard, serving first as their Director of Alumnae Affairs and then as Director of Strategic Development Projects. While at Barnard, Roberta spearheaded the creation of the College’s first alumnae center. She also developed several award-winning initiatives for alumnae, specific to their stages in life.

Roberta has recruited, trained and mentored a generation of advancement professionals, including several who have gone on to serve in leadership roles with non-profits around the world. This dedication to staff development will serve her well as she takes over leadership of the Institutional Advancement team. 

Roberta has shared with me her passion for TC’s mission and her great excitement about returning to an institution that helped shape her career. I hope you will all join me in welcoming Roberta back to her alma mater.

I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Tamara Britt, who has, in addition to serving as Vice President and General Counsel for the College, led the Institutional Advancement team during the search process over the past nine months. Tamara has been a strong and trusted leader and will be vital to Roberta’s successful transition in this new role.

Warmly,

Thomas Bailey
President
Teachers College, Columbia University