What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo?
My name is Allison Tillotson and I am the Executive Director of Advancement.
Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?
I am originally from Lilburn, Georgia (a suburb of Atlanta). My husband and I moved to Birmingham in 2019 and we, along with our son and two dogs, reside in Vestavia Hills.
If you hold any degrees, what are they in and from what schools?
I am a “Double Dawg.” I attended the University of Georgia for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, earning a B.A. in Political Science and Environmental Law, and a Master of Public Administration.
How long have you worked here?
I’m a newcomer to the bricks. I started in March of this year.
What brought you to Montevallo?
The faculty, staff and students I met were one-of-a-kind. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work with alumni and fundraise for such a welcoming, special place.
What’s the best thing about working for Montevallo?
The people and community. You often hear of “town and gown,” but UM is unique in that the community is so involved, invested and supportive of the University. UM faculty, staff, alumni, students and donors are genuinely some of the most giving people I’ve ever met — of their time, knowledge, resources and anything else they can. It is a family.
Do you have any interesting stories about one of your favorite experiences here?
I was meeting an alum for lunch in a small town in Florida recently. Another diner noticed my UM rain jacket and she asked if I was from the University, which is when I learned she was a recent alum who also lived in the area. The two alumni did not know each other prior to meeting in that moment, and even though they graduated exactly 60 years a part, they had similar stories of their years at UM being amongst the best of their lives, and finding a place that felt like home, lifelong friends and an education that set them up for success in life on the bricks. I thought that moment perfectly captured how special a place UM is and the impact it continues to have generation after generation.
What’s your proudest accomplishment since being at UM?
I have the privilege of building authentic relationships with alumni and donors, and it is incredibly rewarding to connect people’s philanthropic passions with UM’s mission and needs. Whether it’s assisting a donor with establishing an endowed student scholarship, re-engaging an alum who has lost touch, or being a donor myself, I am proud of the small part I play in advancing the University’s goals and vision.
Are you currently working on or have you recently completed any interesting projects?
I had a very small role in creating an annual summary video to donors that highlights a few stories of philanthropy’s impact on campus. The team leads and the faculty, staff and students who participated in it all did a fantastic job. I’m excited for our donors to see it soon.
Why do you belong at Montevallo?
I belong at Montevallo because I am in awe of this University’s specialness. I have quickly fallen in love with it and the community. It is home already.
Anything else you want to say?
Thank you so much to the thousands of alumni and friends who support UM! If you have yet to give or get involved, I encourage you to do so in some way — volunteering, spreading the word to potential students or by making a monetary gift to a scholarship or program fund personally meaningful to you. UM is special because of its alumni and donor community, and we are so grateful for all you do!
