Sally Rychlak is a well-known personality recognized for her contributions in education and philanthropy. Over the years, she has built a reputation for her work in fundraising and donor relations, making a significant impact in her industry. In this article, we explore Sally Rychlak’s journey, achievements, and contributions in detail.
Bio Table: Quick Facts About Sally Rychlak
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Sally Rychlak |
Profession | Major Gifts Officer at Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Known For | Fundraising, Donor Relations, Philanthropy |
Nationality | American |
Education | University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Bachelor’s in Marketing |
Years Active | 2015 – Present |
Social Media | Instagram: @sallzr |
Early Life and Education
Sally Rychlak was born in 1997 in Memphis, Tennessee, into a family that valued education and community service. Her father, Ron Rychlak, is a professor and author, known for his role as the secretary of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Executive Committee.
Growing up in a supportive environment, Sally attended St. Agnes Academy in Memphis, where she excelled academically and took part in various extracurricular activities. Her early involvement in leadership roles and community service hinted at her future career in philanthropy and donor relations.
In 2015, she enrolled at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where she pursued a degree in Marketing. During her time at Ole Miss, Sally was actively involved in several organizations, including:
- Student Marketing Association – Promoted marketing strategies and networking among students.
- Alpha Kappa Psi – A professional business fraternity enhancing business acumen and leadership skills.
- Honor Societies – Inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, Phi Kappa Phi, and Beta Gamma Sigma for academic excellence.
- Orientation Leader – Helped incoming students transition smoothly into college life.
- Development Associate – Worked at the School of Business, assisting in alumni relations and fundraising.
Her commitment to education and service made her a standout student, preparing her for a successful career in donor relations and philanthropy.
Career Journey and Achievements
After graduating in 2019, Sally embarked on a career that blended her marketing skills with her passion for philanthropy. Her professional journey includes several key roles that showcase her dedication to educational fundraising and donor engagement.
Key Roles in Her Career:

Key Roles in Her Career:
- Pure Barre Instructor (2019-2023) – Worked as a fitness instructor, promoting health and wellness in Oxford, Mississippi.
- Development Associate at Ole Miss (2019-2021) – Assisted with alumni relations and fundraising for the School of Business.
- Development Officer at Ole Miss School of Pharmacy (2021-2023) – Focused on securing funding for scholarships and research initiatives.
- Major Gifts Officer at Southern Methodist University (2023-Present) – Responsible for securing substantial philanthropic contributions to support the university’s mission and programs.
Sally’s ability to build relationships with donors and her strategic approach to fundraising have made her an asset to every institution she has worked with.
Impact and Contributions
Beyond her professional success, Sally Rychlak has made significant contributions to philanthropy and education. Her work focuses on:
- Securing Educational Funding – Helping universities raise millions of dollars for scholarships, research, and infrastructure.
- Alumni Engagement – Strengthening connections between alumni and universities, ensuring long-term support for institutions.
- Community Service – Volunteering and supporting initiatives that promote education and development.
Her dedication to donor relations and fundraising ensures that students and researchers have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Personal Life and Relationship with Lane Kiffin
Sally Rychlak’s personal life gained public interest due to her relationship with Lane Kiffin, the head football coach at the University of Mississippi. The couple began dating in early 2022, and their relationship became public when Kiffin shared a photo of them together on social media, captioned “Happy #NationalGirlfriendDay.”
Despite the public attention, Sally and Lane have maintained a relatively private relationship, focusing on their respective careers while supporting each other. She is known to have a close bond with Kiffin’s children from his previous marriage and often participates in family activities and trips.
Physical Attributes and Lifestyle
Attribute | Details |
Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
Weight | 125 lbs (57 kg) |
Hair Color | Blonde |
Eye Color | Hazel |
Body Type | Slim and fit |
Sally maintains an active lifestyle, balancing her professional responsibilities with fitness and outdoor activities. Her time as a fitness instructor at Pure Barre reflects her commitment to health and wellness.
Future Plans and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Sally aims to:
- Continue growing in the field of philanthropy and donor relations.
- Secure larger funding contributions to support higher education initiatives.
- Expand her influence in educational fundraising, ensuring more students receive financial assistance.
- Maintain a work-life balance while supporting Lane Kiffin in his coaching career.
Her expertise in donor relations and her passion for philanthropy position her for continued success in the coming years.
FAQs

FAQs
- Who is Sally Rychlak?
Sally Rychlak is a Major Gifts Officer at Southern Methodist University, known for her work in philanthropy and donor relations. - What is Sally Rychlak’s educational background?
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). - What organizations was Sally involved in during college?
She participated in the Student Marketing Association, Alpha Kappa Psi, and several honor societies. - What is her current role at SMU?
Sally is responsible for securing major philanthropic contributions to support the university’s mission. - How did Sally and Lane Kiffin’s relationship become public?
Their relationship became public when Kiffin posted a picture of them together on National Girlfriend Day in 2022. - What industries has Sally Rychlak worked in?
She has worked in education, philanthropy, and fitness. - What are her future plans?
She aims to continue her work in fundraising and donor relations, supporting higher education initiatives. - What is her personal philosophy?
She believes in giving back to the community, supporting education, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. - Is Sally active on social media?
Yes, her Instagram handle is @sallzr, where she occasionally shares updates about her life. - What makes her stand out in her field?
Her ability to build strong donor relationships and secure major contributions for educational institutions.
Conclusion
Sally Rychlak’s journey is a testament to dedication, passion, and perseverance. From her early education to her impactful career in philanthropy, she continues to inspire those in her field. With many achievements already under her belt and more to come, Sally remains a notable name in donor relations and educational fundraising.
Stay tuned for more updates on her work and contributions as she continues to make a mark in the industry!