CAHNRS welcomes new lead fundraiser

Nicholas Dolce takes over as Senior Director of Development for the College of Agricultural Human, and Natural Resource Sciences starting July 1.

Nick comes to WSU from UC Davis, where he has served as Director of Development with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the School of Law. His breadth of campaign experience includes securing major gifts averaging $1.2 million in the last three years, and being named head fundraiser for the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology.

Studio portrait of Nick Dolce
Although he is new to WSU, he is already familiar with Pullman and the region, having visited the area a number of times previously.

“The Palouse is one of the country’s greatest secrets,” he said. “So many people don’t know about it, but it is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been. It is incredibly unique.”

Before his time at UC Davis, Nick worked at the University of South Carolina, where he served as lead fundraiser for both the Retailing and Sport & Entertainment Management departments. Before that he served as Director of Development in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University, securing more than $1.7 million in support and adding $3.2 million in new proposals in 2013, along with an additional $2.3 million for 2014.

Nick’s introduction to university fund raising began at the University of Illinois at Springfield. He worked as the Associate Director of Development/Assistant Athletic Director for Development and secured corporate sponsorships for athletics, bringing in over $200,000 annually. During his tenure, overall giving increased 300 percent.

His experience working with athletics is part of what makes him so eager for his new role at WSU.

“At South Carolina and Illinois, sports were a major driver of alumni support, and I miss that,” he said. “I’m a huge college sports fan and to be part of the Pac-12 is very exciting.”

Among the many things he is looking forward to is getting to know the CAHNRS family, and then getting down to work.

“I’m really looking forward to hitting the road so I can begin building relationships,” Nick said.

He will be taking over from Linda Bailey, who has served as Interim Senior Director for the past nine months. Bailey has served in this position once before. Shane Giese was the Senior Director of Development before Bailey and is retiring this year.

“Nick’s unique background in fundraising for land grant institutions, along with his passion for science, research, and Extension, make him a natural fit for CAHNRS,” Dean Wright said. “He is someone who already knows our mission, can cultivate new and existing partnerships, and who will really hit the ground running. I think he’ll be an exceptional addition to our team, and I look forward to working with him.”