An Inspirational Photoshoot with Kathleen Terry-Sharp
A Leader Returns to Her Roots
It was an absolute honor to capture the radiant spirit of Kathleen Terry-Sharp, a proud Millsaps College Class of 1988 alumna, during her recent photoshoot with Hadonica’s Photography. Kathleen is not only a visionary leader but also a woman whose warmth and purpose shine through every frame.
As Millsaps College proudly welcomes her back as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement on October 6, Kathleen steps into this role with over two decades of leadership and fundraising expertise. Throughout her career, she has helped secure more than $55 million in grants and major gifts for universities and nonprofits—building strong relationships that drive growth and opportunity.
“Kathleen’s passion for Millsaps and her proven success in fundraising and strategic leadership make her the perfect person to lead our advancement efforts,” shared Frank Neville, President of Millsaps College.
Inspiring Leadership Beyond the Office
Kathleen’s impact extends far beyond fundraising. She is nationally recognized for her work in experiential education and leadership development, particularly through Equine-Assisted Learning—an innovative approach that partners with horses to strengthen communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Her dedication to personal and professional growth has taken her across the country, presenting on topics such as board development, fundraising, and emerging leadership. Her TEDx Memphis talk, “Horses, Hippogriffs & Insights for Humanity,” highlighted her gift for connecting deeply with audiences through authentic stories and insight.
A Personal Connection Through the Lens
During our photoshoot, I was struck not just by Kathleen’s professional accomplishments, but by her genuine warmth and authenticity. She was down to earth and easy to photograph, making every moment behind the lens a joy.
She shared her excitement to return to Millsaps—a place that helped shape her path—and her passion for building meaningful opportunities for students, alumni, and the broader community.
On a personal note, we discovered that we both once lived in the Bahamas! That little connection made the session even more special. It’s a reminder of how shared experiences can weave together our stories, no matter where life takes us.
Building Bridges, Uplifting Others
What stood out most about Kathleen was her unwavering commitment to uplift others—especially within education and community development. Her energy, leadership, and compassion inspire those around her to grow, collaborate, and dream bigger.
It was truly a privilege to photograph someone who embodies leadership, humility, and heart. Congratulations, Kathleen, on your new chapter at Millsaps College! The community is fortunate to have your light leading the way.
- Hadonica’s Photography