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Nothing brings Abby Randall to life quite like a firm handshake and an opportunity to connect.

“I love networking, especially with the business community,” Randall said. “I like learning about their strengths and goals, empowering them and then establishing strong partnerships to get things done.”

Randall, a 2009 BSU grad, became the Bemidji State University Alumni & Foundation’s director of corporate relations and giving in June 2024. Her mission has been to position BSU and Northwest Technical College as the higher education institutions of choice for corporate recruitment and partnership in the region — a challenge that plays right into her passions.

“I love finding the unique things that inspire partners to support our student body,” Randall said. “We want our regional businesses and corporations to think of us when they look for a higher education partner.”

Randall said that BSU’s industry partners crave a sense of alignment between their businesses and the university’s programs and curricula, and they want well-educated graduates entering the workforce. That means their investments today can make it easier to hire a qualified Beaver in the future — and that’s where Randall steps in.

“Industry partnerships create so many opportunities, not only for our regional workforce but also for the growth of our institutions and community,” she said. “And it also provides phenomenal experiences for our students before they enter their future careers. So it’s a win-win.”