Half an hour north of Columbia lies a small town that covers less than one square mile and has fewer than 400 residents. To be exact, the census calculated the population of Harrisburg to be 377 people in 2022, which is high for this tiny section of Missouri. 

It is in this town, however, where the story of Todd McCubbin begins. 

McCubbin is currently the Executive Director of the University of Missouri Alumni Association. He began working in alumni relations in 1995 after receiving a master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri that year. He has been a dedicated member of the university’s staff since. In 2025, McCubbin will celebrate his 30th year working for MU.

McCubbin has been in his current position as Executive Director for 20 years, making him the longest-serving Executive Director in MU history as of this week. 

“You don’t study to be an alumni director,” McCubbin said.

Growing up on a farm in a small town like Harrisburg did not push McCubbin into his current career. Instead, he achieved success through his work ethic and inspiration from his father, who found satisfaction in working for an expanding regional insurance company. 

McCubbin said he chose MU for his graduate degree because of his familial connection with the university. His father was a first-generation graduate of MU, and McCubbin was able to follow his legacy. Now, his role allows him to connect and build relationships with other alumni like him and his father. 

Today, McCubbin has created an excellent career for himself at his alma mater, performing duties that are essential to nurturing a strong MU alumni network. McCubbin thrives on personal connection as well, giving him further enjoyment of his work.

“Pure and simple, building and maintaining relationships with alumni,” McCubbin said when asked about his favorite part of his job at MU. 

As for his values, McCubbin said faith, family, humility and work ethic were very important to him. His work ethic and phenomenal drive to build relationships with others allowed him to reach the heights of Executive Director at a university with over 357,000 alumni. 

His relationship skills do not end when the shift ends. McCubbin said, “family,” is his hobby outside of his work. 

He has three grown children with his wife, Debbie, and the family has enjoyed many of the activities they have participated in together. All five of them are Tiger fans, giving them another avenue for connection and fun. Many of McCubbin’s posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, feature images of the MU sporting events he avidly enjoys. 

While McCubbin’s children did not attend MU for undergraduate degrees, he said, “fingers crossed for graduate school.” 

McCubbin graduated from being an MU alum to the leader of all MU alums in his impressive career. His real successes, though, are measured in the bonds he has built through his career and his family. 

Edited by Molly Levine | mlevine@themaneater.com

Copyedited by Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com

Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com