Leveraging Alumni Networks: An Examination of Communication Strategies in Higher Education Institutions
Ronelle Lyson 
, Nisha Ramlutchman & Paulene Naidoo
Issue: Vol.6 No.12 Article 11 pp. 3041 – 3051
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561211 | Published online 21st November, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
The focus of this research is an investigation of communication strategies employed by higher education institutions (HEIs) in leveraging their alumni networks. Such communication strategies are fundamental in fostering alumni networks whose developments not only instil a sense of belonging but are also strategic in improving institutional reputation, fundraising efforts, as well as student mentorship opportunities. The methodological approach focused on a document analysis, through an examination of relevant secondary sources of information, in order to determine communication strategies for improved alumni involvement. The findings are documented around four emergent themes: (i) the importance of strategic communication in HEIs, (ii) improving alumni engagement with modern communication, (iii) barriers to communication in HEIs and (iv) the benefits of an engaged alumni network. Recommendations for HEIs include the development and implementation of communication strategies that meet the unique requirements of their alumni, the usage of data analytics to manage alumni information, the dissemination of clear and consistent messages across all communication platforms and the encouragement of alumni participation in areas such as academic advisory boards and university volunteer programmes. Additional recommendations include the feature of alumni success stories in HEI communication channels, use of the surveys to gather alumni feedback and the investment in digital technologies to reach and communicate with alumni (such as virtual events, alumni portals and mobile applications). This paper contributes to the scholarship of research on fostering alumni relations through an exploration of communication strategies that encourage increased alumni involvement.
Keywords: Communication strategies, alumni, HEIs
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Ronelle Lyson is the Coordinator: Alumni Relations at the Durban University of Technology within the Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Science, specialising in Public Relations and Communication Management, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in the same field. With a robust commitment to relationship-building and community engagement, Ronelle is passionate about creating impactful opportunities for alumni advancement. Her work is motivated by a profound belief in the power of upskilling graduates to foster lifelong learning, professional growth, and meaningful connections within the DUT alumni network.
Nisha Ramlutchman is a lecturer in Public Relations Management at the Durban University of Technology. She received her Bachelor of Arts (Summa Cum Laude) and Honours degrees from the University of Natal. She completed her Master of Arts qualification (Cum Laude) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is currently studying towards a PhD in Media and Communication at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She has supervised several postgraduate students, published in accredited journals and has presented papers at both national and international conferences. Her research interests include film studies, media representation and educational pedagogy.
Paulene Naidoo is a Senior Academic at the Durban University of Technology within the Department of Public Relations and Communication. She holds a PhD in Communication Science and has been an academic for over 20 years. As a strong advocate of applied learning, she aims to involve her students in a variety of project-based activities that creates a platform for developing real world experiences. She has published in accredited journals and enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with both her undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her current research interest includes Intercultural Communication, Entrepreneurship, Communication and Social Media.
Lyson, Ronelle, Nisha Ramlutchman, and Paulene Naidoo. “Leveraging Alumni Networks: An Examination of Communication Strategies in Higher Education Institutions.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no. 12 (2025): 3041-3051, https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561211.
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
