Margaret Sughrue Carlson

College of Education and Human Development, August 9, 2016

Margaret Sughrue Carlson, received a doctorate degree in educational policy and administration in 1983 from the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Minnesota. In 1985, she was selected to serve as the first female to lead the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA). She was also the first female alumni director in the Big 10 Conference. She served as president and CEO of the UMAA for 25 years. Prior to that, she served as an extension agent, assistant to the dean of the College of Home Economics, founding member of the Goldstein Gallery, and president of the Minnesota Home Economics Association. Under her tenure, Carlson Citron is credited with doubling the membership of the UMAA to over 60,000, and championing the effort to construct the McNamara Alumni Center, the Scholars Walk, and the Alumni Wall of Honor. She also helped to build the pool of financial aid for students, and served in a major role in supporting the new football stadium on campus. Carlson Citron has and continues to have an impact on the CEHD. On the Campaign Minnesota Advisory Committee, she provided strategic advice to the dean. And, she was the inspiration for and a founding member of the Women’s Philanthropic Leadership Circle. Recently, she hosted a reception in her California home in support of CEHD’s Improving Lives Campaign. Carlson Citron also contributes to the Margaret Sughrue Carlson Scholarship for new CEHD students who demonstrate leadership and academic promise.