Bellisario College of Communications

Bellisario College names Allison Saras director of development

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A Penn State alumna whose career has been primarily focused on fundraising for higher education has been named director of development for the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications.

Allison Saras, who has a doctorate in higher education management, will begin her role with the Bellisario College on Feb. 10, after most recently serving as a senior major gift officer and philanthropic specialist for Duquesne University. Before that, she was the chief philanthropy officer for Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh.

The Bellisario College, the largest undergraduate mass communications program in the country, has consistently produced award-winning student work across all majors and the college’s faculty members are internationally respected as some of the best in their fields. Major gifts in recent years have bolstered the communications program with facilities as well as programmatic and scholarship support. And, as the opportunities that support makes possible grow, so does the need for additional financial support.

“As a proud Penn State alumna, I am honored to join the Bellisario College of Communications. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated faculty, staff and alumni to ensure the continued growth of the college and the success of our students,” Saras said. “Together, we will cultivate meaningful relationships with our supporters to drive impactful initiatives that enhance the Bellisario College’s leadership and influence in the field of communications.”

Saras’ higher education experience includes roles as the charitable relationship manager for the Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, director of constituent relations at the School of Law at the University of Pittsburgh and assistant director of development at the Charles Widger School of Law at Villanova University. She was also assistant director of Villanova’s annual fund.

“Our creative, collaborative and entrepreneurial students and faculty have benefitted from philanthropic support in many ways in recent years, and there’s no doubt our impact and success will continue,” said Dean Marie Hardin of the Bellisario College. “To reach our goals and to best prepare students for communications careers, we’ll continue to need philanthropic support that makes a meaningful and strategic impact. Allison in the right person to lead those efforts.”

Saras earned her bachelor’s degree in political science at Penn State and a master’s degree in public administration, focused on nonprofit management, from Villanova University. She earned her doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pittsburgh.

Last Updated February 3, 2025