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Meet our new Associate Dean for Advancement

Jackie Leach Pierce has joined the UNC School of Social Work as the Associate Dean for Advancement, bringing with her 18 years of experience as a fundraiser in the university and nonprofit sectors.

For the last seven years, she served as a major gifts officer with UNC’s Office of University Advancement, working to galvanize select constituencies and encourage their involvement and support; and to develop and implement major gift strategies. Among her accomplishments, she led an effort to establish a national model for minority fundraising in higher education and developed creative ways to access and engage alumni for a long-term relationship with the University in order to establish and increase philanthropic giving.

Prior to coming to UNC, Pierce worked in the Newspaper-in-Education Programs at the Greensboro News & Record and the Durham Herald-Sun, served as the associate director of development for annual giving at Durham Academy, and as a regional campaign director for Triangle United Way where she helped to establish a leadership giving recognition program geared toward African American donors. She is a graduate of UNC’s School of Media and Journalism.

She has been involved in numerous University and civic engagement activities, including the UNC Association of Women and Faculty Professionals, the Provost’s Committee on Inclusive Excellence and Diversity, and the Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties.

“I have long admired the mission and the impact of the UNC School of Social Work,” said Pierce. “I’m thrilled to be leading the development effort in partnership with Dean Jack Richman and the dedicated faculty members. Their work is making a difference to the people of North Carolina and beyond. I’m particularly excited about my new role because the School will celebrate its centennial in 2020. The University’s capital campaign will facilitate opportunities to engage alumni and donors who wish to recognize the School for 100 years of service.”