When new chancellor Dr. Zito Satarelli sat down with Port City Daily’s Hilary Snow in August 2015 after being named head of University of North Carolina-Wilmington, he talked about developing a strategic plan to help move UNCW in what he feels is the right direction.
The plan, he said, would encompass all major aspects of growing a university, from increasing private donations to improving faculty research capabilities.
On Wednesday, the next step in the process, when it came to athletic fundraising, became evident after Rob Aycock submitted his resignation as Senior Associate Athletic Director and Executive Director of the Seahawk Club. Aycock’s resignation will be effective June 30. He joined UNCW in 2013.
The Seahawk Club is the official fundraising arm for the Department of Athletics and provides funds for athletic scholarships for more than 325 student-athletes.
According to Janine Iamunno, spokesperson for the university, the school will now conduct a national search for a director of development for athletics.
“With a renewed emphasis on fundraising and our ongoing commitment to strengthen UNCW Athletics, including support services for student-athletes, this new position will more effectively align Advancement resources with institutional goals,” she said.
“The synergy between Advancement and Athletics continues to be a great asset to our programs, and we look forward to reaching new heights with the support of the Seahawk community.”
Advancement Services supports the operations of University Advancement by keeping track of gifts to the university, maintaining the alumni and donor database, conducting donor research and assisting campus-wide university departments.
Athletics Director Jimmy Bass will also begin playing a bigger role in keeping improved growth through fundraising for the school’s 19 sports.
