September 24, 2025 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu

Time and again, Abigail Collins has been told she shares her late grandmother’s innate gift: the ability to bring people together. As the Arnold School’s first-ever alumni relations and events manager, Collins is looking forward to doing just that.

“The choices I have made reflect the values she embodied — warmth, generosity and a spirit of service — and have shaped both my personal and professional path,” Collins says. “That perspective gives my work deeper purpose, reminding me that at the heart of every event and every relationship is the opportunity to foster belonging and carry forward a legacy of care and impact.”

Growing up on the outskirts of Atlanta, Collins was also influenced by her parents, two devoted educators who poured themselves into their students to promote lifelong learning and meaningful connection. She emulated them by organizing heart and stroke awareness events for a local hospital while studying communication at Berry College.

After graduation, Collins gained public relations experience at a global firm in Washington, D.C. She later returned to Atlanta, where she organized red carpet events for Fox Searchlight and Warner Bros., including a special event for Just Mercy audience members featuring Bryan Stevenson — and a surprise appearance by Michael B. Jordan.

“These experiences showed me that storytelling is not just about sharing — it is a powerful force that brings people together, builds community and turns ordinary moments into lasting memories,” Collins says.

At Marist School, her role as special events manager included alumni and development responsibilities, building on her background in event planning. There, she refined her ability to design meaningful experiences and foster inclusion to strengthen community — skills she believes have prepared her well for her new role at USC.

With a start date of Aug. 1, Collins describes her first weeks at the Arnold School as both exciting and affirming. Her role centers on building connections with alumni and bringing people together through events. On any given day, she might be organizing programs that keep alumni engaged with each other and the school, serving as the primary liaison for alumni relations and communications, and collaborating closely with colleagues across campus.

“Every person I meet teaches me something new, and with more than 17,000 alumni in our network, I see 17,000 opportunities to learn,” Collins says. “These connections go beyond personal growth — they reveal the power of service, the strength of collaboration and the impact of coming together with a shared purpose, all in pursuit of advancing the drivers of health.”

She loves meeting alumni, like the school’s very first graduate, Mary Ann “Mag” Galloway, whose wisdom left her inspired by the impact of public health and motivated her to implement fresh ideas for connecting and supporting the alumni community. With that in mind, she wants the entire Arnold School community to know that her door is always open.

“The first two months have been full of adventure, but what struck me most is how compassionate people are here and how much they give of themselves to their communities,” Collins says. “I am inspired and humbled by the meaningful opportunities to contribute and take part.”

“We are so fortunate to have Abigail as the Arnold School’s inaugural alumni relations and events manager," says Lee Pearson, executive director of operations and accreditation. "She brings the ideal mix of experience combined with a genuine capacity to care about people and foster meaningful connections with them. Alumni are our best ambassadors, and we need to elevate our connectivity with them — especially as the school begins its second half-century.  Abigail is the perfect person to do that and do it well.”

The Staff Spotlight Series is sponsored by the Arnold School's Office of Access and Collective Engagement.