Anna Tibbitts

Meet Anna!

Anna is the Senior Advancement Director for the University of Utah’s Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences (including the College of Humanities!), where she helps connect alumni and donors with opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Anna always dreamed of attending the University of Utah and originally planned to pursue a legal career, which led her to major in Persuasion and Argumentation. While her path ultimately moved away from law, the skills she gained through her communication degree have benefited her both personally and professionally.

 

Q: What led you to choose the University of Utah, and what drew you to study Communication?

A: I originally planned to pursue a law degree and had aspirations to major in criminal justice. However, after taking my first Comm 1000 course, I absolutely loved it! I realized how deeply Communication influences both personal and professional life, and that inspired me to make it my major. I started at Salt Lake Community College, and although I always planned to transfer to the U, I was nervous about navigating the university experience. Thankfully, the U turned out to be everything I hoped for. I found the support I needed to complete my education and discovered so much about myself along the way.

 

Q: What was your first job after graduation?

A: I graduated in 2002, just as the economy was facing a minor recession. Despite the challenging job market, I landed a role in the corporate arena, where my Communication degree proved invaluable. The skills I gained—understanding team dynamics, effective communication strategies, and conflict resolution—made it easier to navigate a fast-paced environment and support C-suite leaders and HR teams. Those foundational lessons gave me the confidence to collaborate across departments, manage sensitive conversations, and contribute meaningfully from day one.

 

Q: What advice would you give to current humanities students?

A: Take every opportunity to learn from people whose experiences differ from your own. I loved connecting with individuals who held different opinions and values—they challenged my assumptions and broadened my perspective. It also gave me the chance to put my communication skills into practice as I learned to navigate difficult conversations and find common ground.

 

Q: What is the best professional advice you’ve received?

A: Take advantage of every meaningful opportunity. Careers—and life—are full of twists and turns! Often, the best opportunities are the unexpected ones. They may not excite you at first, but they can challenge you, help you grow, and give you the chance to develop new skills that shape your future.

 

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role as the Senior Advancement Director for the Colleges Liberal Arts and Sciences?

A: I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact of philanthropy. The only reason I was able to complete my college degree was because of generous donors who provided scholarships to me and countless other students. I also benefited from the outstanding faculty, research opportunities, and student support services at the U—areas that philanthropy helps sustain and strengthen. Meeting alumni and donors who are passionate about what we do and committed to making a difference is truly inspiring. I love being a small part of the process that connects people with opportunities to create meaningful change.