Krista Harrell achieved the triple crown in Old Dominion University education – a bachelor’s in counseling in 2001 and a master’s and doctorate in higher education administration in 2003 and 2012, respectively. She spent 10 years at the University of South Alabama, rising to assistant vice president for student affairs. In December 2022, Harrell returned to her alma mater as associate vice president for alumni relations.
In an interview, Harrell recalled highlights of her Monarch years, including being named to the Homecoming court, and fast-forwarded to her work now to energize more than 170,000 Old Dominion graduates. “I feel I have a responsibility to care for people’s memories of the institution and help them form new ones,” she said.
Tell us a couple of your most vivid memories as a student at Old Dominion.
I remember being named to the Homecoming court on the floor of Scope during halftime in 2001. I was wearing this big red dress. It was particularly special for me because I had been part of the Student Senate that worked hard to bring back Homecoming. I didn’t care that I didn’t get queen. I was so happy to be part of that moment.
Another exceptional time was when I was runner-up for the Kaufman Award. I felt that it was the culmination of all my hard work, and that all the things I did really mattered. I was here morning, noon and night between being president of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and vice president of the Student Senate. I already knew I was going into higher education, but I realized then that I wanted to help students have the same experience.
You’ve served in several roles in higher education in the South. What appealed to you about alumni relations?
It’s an honor to serve my alma mater after serving other institutions for 20 years. I came from student engagement. This is almost the same thing, but with a different set of people with connections to the institution. I want to foster a sense of belonging, build community and help instill points of pride. A lot of people love this place. I want to help them find ways to celebrate and enhance the University and make it better. I don’t do it alone. Our office has a phenomenal staff that works with passion and dedication to support our Alumni Association, our board of directors, and campus and community partners to engage with our alumni network.
How do you hope to get Monarchs more involved and energized?
We do 80 events a year, not all in Hampton Roads, meeting our alumni where they are. We want to develop four new chapters every year. We’re looking at several areas, including Los Angeles, Boston, Tampa and Charlotte-Raleigh. We’re also looking at places where we have chapters – such as Richmond and the D.C. area – to try to jump-start them. It’s not just geographic areas. We want to create groups for alumni based on their interests or competency. I want to help you find a way to contribute that makes sense to you. It’s not just financial. There are a lot of opportunities to get involved: You can serve on boards or come to events. You can impact the trajectory of a student by making them more career ready. Or maybe it’s doing good in the community. We need alumni to support other alumni finding jobs and connecting with internships. And it’s fun to get involved. Don’t you want to meet new people and have some pretty amazing experiences?
How has being a three-time ODU graduate helped you in your job?
First and foremost, the foundation of my love for the institution is what drives me. It’s authentic. It’s a point where I can start a conversation from: “I remember when we used to watch women’s basketball games at the Fieldhouse and men’s games at Scope before the Ted.” I feel I have a responsibility to care for people’s memories of the institution and help them form new ones.
What’s a fun part of Krista Harrell’s life that few people know about?
I was “Queen of the Audience” at a Jimmy Kimmel show in 2016. They said I was the most excited audience member, which is a surprise to nobody. I got to wear a crown. It was pretty cool. I can also sing the names of the states in alphabetical order.
