Allison Saras

Allison Saras, who has a doctorate in higher education management, began her role with the Bellisario College on Feb. 10, 2025, 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.

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.

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.

• Bellisario College names Allision Saras director of development