In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Karen Baldwin talks with Mike Richey, who retired recently as vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement at the University of Kentucky after a five-decade career at the school.

In their discussion, Mike addresses:

• The motivation to stay committed to one university for 50 years.
• Changes he’s seen in higher education philanthropy over the course of five decades.
• What he considers important qualities to look for in hiring an advancement professional. 

About our guest

Mike Richey retired in January 2022 as vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement at the University of Kentucky, which culminated a 50-year career at the school. Under his leadership, UK Philanthropy was recognized as a Top 50 Philanthropy Program in 2019 by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education

Mike has served in leadership positions at national and international levels, including president of the National Agriculture Alumni Development Association, the Kentucky FFA Foundation and The Gideons International, a worldwide organization working in 200 countries. He has received numerous state and national recognitions for his professional and nonprofit work, including the prestigious Sullivan Medallion, a Distinguished Service and Leadership Award from the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Agriculture Alumni and Development Association. 

Mike has been a keynote speaker in more than 30 states and numerous countries and recently had the newly endowed Founders Day Endowment created in his honor. 

• Read more about Mike
• Connect with Mike on LinkedIn