Communication

The Critical Skill Driving Higher Education Procurement

There’s a passion in procurement that’s hard to match elsewhere. While the business world may focus on transactions, procurement professionals in higher education are driven by something deeper: a commitment to serve their institutions, their faculty, and ultimately their students. And at the heart of this mission lies one critical skill—communication.

Why Communication Matters

Procurement in higher education is far more than processing purchase orders. It’s about understanding needs, solving problems, and connecting the right people to the right resources. All while navigating complex compliance requirements.

As Julie McIlroy from the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) and University of Idaho Procurement Director puts it: “Every procurement starts with a need. A faculty or staff member comes to us, and our job is to react, connect them with suppliers, and make sure the process is compliant. Communication is how we bridge the gap between need and solution.”

This ability to explain, listen, and adapt ensures procurement is not just a behind-the-scenes function, but a visible partner in advancing teaching, research, and student success.

Human-to-Human Connection

In an era of digital transformation and AI-driven tools, communication in procurement has only become more critical. Technology can streamline processes, but it can’t replace the human connections that build trust and drive collaboration.

Many of the events we have attended for higher education procurement professionals seem to reinforce this idea. Brie Matier from the University of South Florida at NAEP earlier this year said, “It’s like our Super Bowl. Being able to interact with like-minded people, share lessons learned, and know you’re not alone is invaluable.”

That spirit of connection extends beyond conferences. Procurement professionals share insights across states and institutions, learning what worked in California that might help in Alabama, or how one team’s RFP process could save time for another. These conversations don’t just make procurement more efficient—they elevate the entire profession.

Communicating the Value of Procurement

One of the ongoing challenges in higher education is explaining what procurement does. Faculty and staff often underestimate the scope of support procurement provides. That makes communication not just a skill, but a responsibility.

“Explaining what procurement does is part of my job,” Maggie Grey, UC San Diego explained. “Meeting with clients, showing them how we provide solutions, and helping them understand that we’re not just gatekeepers, we’re partners in success.”

By articulating their value clearly and consistently, procurement professionals reinforce their role as problem-solvers, advocates, and strategic advisors.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Higher education is an ever-changing environment, shaped by current events, economic pressures, and shifting institutional priorities. Procurement teams must be flexible, adapting to needs that often come with urgency.

As Brittany Bezick-Hamel, University of West Florida states, “Somebody may need something yesterday. It’s our job to figure out how to get them what they need while staying compliant.”

Clear communication—internally with teams and externally with vendors—is what allows procurement professionals to stay agile without losing sight of policy and process.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Communication also drives partnerships with suppliers and industry allies. The most effective relationships aren’t purely transactional; they’re built on trust, advocacy, and shared goals. Vendors like Canon have been recognized for supporting procurement associations for decades, not by “selling,” but by engaging in conversations that strengthen the profession.

This kind of strategic communication transforms suppliers into allies, ensuring that procurement has partners who understand and support higher education’s mission.

The Profession’s True Voice

At its core, procurement is about people: faculty who need resources, students who benefit from them, colleagues who share solutions, and vendors who collaborate for the long term. The profession thrives when its practitioners embrace communication as more than a skill. Because in higher education procurement, the ability to connect, explain, listen, and adapt doesn’t just make the job easier. It ensures that procurement continues to be a passionate, dynamic profession driving the success of colleges and universities everywhere.