Heidi Jaynes featured by NCAA
Jaynes is athletic director and chair and professor of physical education, athletics, and recreation at Carleton.
Heidi Jaynes — athletic director and chair and professor of physical education, athletics, and recreation (PEAR) — was featured by the NCAA in a piece titled, “With boost from NCAA fundraising program, Heidi Jaynes is leading with purpose at Carleton.”
Heidi Jaynes wanted to add to her skill set.
Jaynes, a first-year athletics director and former Oklahoma volleyball student-athlete, has excelled in every role during her 26 years at Carleton College. From being a celebrated volleyball coach to her impactful tenure as an athletics administrator, she consistently inspired growth and excellence among her student-athletes and colleagues.
“I did not have any experience in fundraising,” Jaynes said. “We were asked to just stay out of fundraising. Our development office did that, and they were highly successful. However, when I took the athletics director job, we had strategic planning happening while athletics recreation facilities were being discussed. Suddenly, I was asked, ‘Do you want to be involved in some of this?'”
With support from her provost, Jaynes applied for the NCAA Foundations of Fundraising program. The eight-week hybrid course helped equip her with newfound confidence, critical fundraising knowledge and practical donor engagement skills. More than just an education, the program energized Jaynes, enabling her to lead the Carleton athletics department with fresh perspectives.