Abbey Robinson, MSW '14

When Abbey Robinson applied to the School of Social Work, she was interested in the business aspects of running a nonprofit, and chose Management of Human Services to accomplish that goal. But when she began her field placement with the Center for the Education of Women, her goal slowly began to evolve. She is still interested in the business side of things, but with a focus on the critical work of development and fundraising.

“To me, development is creating relationships with people outside of your organization who have an interest in your mission, then cultivating that relationship and, ultimately, they become donors. Creating relationships and putting that to work for an organization is what I’m most passionate about.”

I’m on a first-name basis with my professors and fellow students. That creates a comfortable environment that allows for more meaningful discussions and, ultimately, fostering relationships. That benefits us all.

As a U-M Nonprofit and Public Management Board fellow, Robinson is doing this same kind work on behalf of the FAR Conservatory of the Therapeutic and Performing Arts in Birmingham, Mi. She works closely with FAR’s board of directors and executive staff, helping them expand their client base and build brand recognition while gaining valuable, hands-on experience for herself. She also works in the SSW Office of Student Services (OSS) helping prospective students with questions about U-M, taking them on tours, and connecting them with university resources

“The fellowship program is an extra-curricular activity that I chose because of my own special interests. It’s just one example of the many ways that U-M and the SSW meet students’ individual needs. Another example is the small class size in the MSW program concentrations. I’m on a first-name basis with my professors and fellow students. That creates a comfortable environment that allows for more meaningful discussions and, ultimately, fostering relationships. That benefits us all.”