Mentor Spotlight

Mentor Spotlight: Andrew Sherwood

January 14, 2021

Alumni, Career, Homepage News, News

Andrew Sherwood is a leadership gift officer for Southern Methodist University. He has nearly a decade of experience in collegiate athletics specializing in fundraising, marketing, writing and strategic communications.

Andrew earned his undergraduate degree in journalism at the University of Kansas. He later earned a master’s degree in recreation and sports management from the University of Arkansas. Andrew has worked in athletic communications, media relations, and fundraising at the University of Tulsa, Notre Dame, the University of Arkansas, the University of Connecticut, and the University of Kansas.

If you’re interested in college athletics, higher education, fundraising or journalism, connect with Andrew on KU Mentoring.

We’re highlighting Jayhawks who serve as mentors to fellow alumni and students to celebrate National Mentoring Month.

How has being a Jayhawk helped your career?

It’s hard to truly put into words all of the ways that being a Jayhawk has helped my career but I know the impact has been immense. Since graduating in 2007, I have had the opportunity to live and work all over the country. No matter where I’ve been, the one constant has been my connection to my fellow Jayhawks in the area. Often times these people became some of my best friends that opened up numerous doors for me both personally and professionally. Without the relationships I formed both as a student and as an alum of the University of Kansas, I would not be where I am at today.

When I moved to Texas nearly four years ago, one of the very first calls I made was to the Alumni Association looking for ways to become involved with the Dallas Jayhawks. Through my involvement with the local board, we have hosted numerous networking events and happy hours aimed at connecting fellow alumni from all generations in meaningful ways while sharing with them the power of the Jayhawk Career Network.

Knowing the important role that Jayhawks have had in my life and on my career, I feel very blessed to be able to pay it forward. Through my own personal involvement with the Jayhawk Career Network, I have had the opportunity to serve as a mentor to recent graduates interested in my career path. This has been an incredibly rewarding experience as I have seen them have success as they begin their careers and most importantly I consider them now to be friends.

What advice do you have for fellow Jayhawks?

One thing that sets Jayhawk alumni apart from so many other is our willingness to help one another. I can’t tell you how many times I have met for coffee, lunch or scheduled a phone call with a fellow alum looking for career guidance.

Don’t be shy about reaching out and be sure to follow up accordingly. It can seem a bit intimidating, especially at first, but you won’t believe the amount of positive feedback you will receive and the doors that will be open simply because you are both Jayhawks.

Need a mentor? Want to serve as a mentor? KU Mentoring is open to students, alumni, faculty and staff, and friends of the University of Kansas. Professionals who are looking for opportunities to connect with KU and provide assistance to Jayhawks are also welcome. Learn more about KU Mentoring.