Testimonials
Theo Gilmore decided early in his career to make a difference and did so by majoring in nonprofit leadership. He has always had a public servant leadership style. This was apparent when he was vice-president and president of American Humanics, a national student association that teaches people about nonprofit leadership. He was awarded a $4,750 grant to do an internship at Camp White Pines, which supports juvenile offenders. Theo was later offered and accepted a job at the organization to help make a difference in the lives of our youth.
My internship experience has been great. The people I work with are encouraging, helpful, and supportive. Some skills that I have developed from this experience are communication and administration. I would recommend students to do an internship.
-Kendra Benson
A defining moment in my life was my decision to finish my education. I had always wanted a vocation where I could know that the world was a better place because of my involvement. A concentration in Nonprofit Administration was a natural choice for me. I had always received tremendous satisfaction from volunteering with nonprofit organizations. To my amazement there were career options available in this field as well. With classes in management, fundraising, history and an internship I am now equipped to have a greater impact in my community.
- Daisy N. Burgan, Class of 2006
Interns: The internship experience allows a student to have a full appreciation of the nonprofit realm by combining ability, aptitude and autonomy in an environment that allows personal accountability for success and failure in a mentored setting. Reading it -- many "a's" -- but I think it's true....what better way to practice before you get out into the working world and have full accountability for the harsh realities of the nonprofit realm....
- Kim Hutzell, CEO, Girl Scouts of the Piedmont Area Council
A degree in nonprofit administration prepared me for the third sector in many ways. Learning everything from the fiscal standpoint to the historical significances enabled me to have a very well rounded education to draw from. USC Upstate has a unique program with professors who have current experience in the field and vast knowledge of the nonprofit sector. The degree was worth every hour and dollar I spent!
- Tiffany Olson, Director of Administration, Upstate Visual Arts
The Haven offers a supportive environment for college interns seeking experience, challenge and personal growth in the human service arena. The Haven has been host to a number of interns from USCUpstate. Without exception, our USCUpstate interns have proven to be capable, motivated and compassionate young adults with bright futures. Our interns gain new insight and often a changed perception of what is valuable and important to their own lives as well as providing invaluable service to The Haven. We are grateful for our strong partnership with USCUpstate.
- Cindi Goodin, Director, The Haven
I have been given responsibilities and goals that include working on current projects, starting new ones and attending and helping with all UVA events. Some of the typical daily duties include: preparing financial spreadsheets weekly, helping to keep the Web site updated, keeping the membership informed of important events and happenings, hanging and taking down gallery shows and general daily activities. Some of the projects I have been able to oversee myself have been the "Member Benefits Program" and the "Artist's Rental Space." I have been able to gain new places for UVA's members to receive discounts, do fact-finding to find interest in the new rental space and sell advertising in "Vision," our quarterly newsletter.
Job Description:
The Director of Administration position encompasses many responsibilities. As the only staff person, there are many "hats" worn. I will essentially be writing grants, writing the quarterly newsletter and email newsletter, keeping membership informed, marketing the organization's events, managing the School of Art (i.e.- processing tuitions, contracting instructors), keeping committee chairpersons informed and updated and any other general managerial duties. I have some goals that I would like to see come to fruition at UVA. One of my goals is to have a larger community involvement. As an arts nonprofit dedicated to elevating the stature of visual arts in the community, I will be working to meet with community leaders to enhance the public's awareness of our organization.
- Tiffany Massey, graduate