Brenda was originally hired in July 1995, as the director of development for both the College of Health Professions and the School of Pharmacy. She was the first director of development in the school’s history. After the appointment of a new CHP dean, she was given the option of becoming full time at either school and she chose Pharmacy.

During the years that she worked in development, she recognized the need for a distinct Alumni Office and established the Alumni Affairs Department, becoming the director of development and alumni affairs. She raised money for classroom and lab renovations, the creation of seminar rooms, remodeling of the physical plant, classroom & lab equipment purchases, scholarship awards, recruitment incentives, student events and travel to professional meetings and events. Brenda also secured the school’s first two six figure gifts from Rite Aid Pharmacy and Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Later, as the visibility of the school increased, she became the director of alumni relations and external affairs, where she focused on the creation and organization of special events and lectures, the writing and editing of annual reports, development of brochures, videos, press releases, etc. She spearheaded the planning and marketing of TUSP’s centennial celebration; researching and writing a history book on the school’s first 100 years. She also planned and organized the school’s first White Coat Ceremony and Research Day, two events that continue to this day!