A 1987 Aggie graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Deborah Austin has built a career as a healthcare executive while remaining deeply involved with UC Davis. She has served on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Letters and Science, worked with the African and African American Alumni Association, or 5A, and is now serving a two-year term as president of theCal Aggie Alumni Association, or CAAA.
She is this month’s guest on Face to Face with Chancellor May.
Her journey back to campus was inspired in part by her older brother, Byron Thompson, who was heavily involved as a UC Davis student. After graduating, Austin initially stepped away from the university.
It was a friend, Darryl Goss, who encouraged her to return to campus and become more involved. She eventually joined 5A and later the alumni board.
Along the way, Austin said she became increasingly aware of the mentors and community members who had helped open doors for her.
“I didn’t get here just because I’m Deborah Austin,” she said.
That experience has shaped her approach to leadership. She wants others to see themselves represented in top roles and recognize what is possible.
“I don’t want to be the last,” she said. “I want to make sure people see me.”
One of Austin’s priorities as CAAA board president is increasing alumni engagement. She said she wants to better understand what alumni need and how the hundreds of thousands of Aggies around the world can support one another.
The alumni association is also piloting an alumni-to-alumni mentoring program, creating opportunities for graduates to connect with others who can offer career advice, perspective and guidance at different stages of professional life.
“Alumni are so necessary to our success, so I really applaud those activities that you're starting.” May said.
Austin cited another example of the power of mentorship in her family. Her husband, Ron Austin, who attended UC Davis but left before completing his degree to pursue football and help support his family. Years later, he discovered he was only seven units short of graduating. With support from the university, he returned and completed his degree.
Today, he also connects with students, particularly those navigating college without the benefit of a family history of higher education.
Austin knows firsthand how important those connections can be. As a student, she initially struggled to find her footing and was unaware of many of the resources available to her. Support from mentors and tutors helped her remain at Davis and ultimately graduate.
Watch the episode above to learn more about Austin’s UC Davis journey, her path into healthcare leadership, her family’s connection to the university and her vision for keeping Aggies engaged and connected.
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Anila Lijo is a writer and editor for the Office of Strategic Communications, and can be reached by email.