Fayetteville State University appointed Sandra D. Yates as associate vice chancellor for development, effective June 19, 2023. As associate vice chancellor, Yates will serve as a member of the senior leadership team and manage the day-to-day activities of principal and major gifts fundraising programs, campaign planning, annual giving, and corporate and foundation relations. 

Yates will advise the vice chancellor for university advancement in formulating policies, procedures and programs relative to managing a comprehensive, strategic and efficient advancement operation. She will also manage a portfolio of major and principal donor prospects.

“We are thrilled to have Mrs. Yates leading our fundraising initiatives at this crucial time of growth for our students and the campus as well as our community as a whole,” said Omar Bell, FSU vice chancellor for university advancement, in a press release. “Her extensive experience in building relationships with key university constituencies, fostering financial partnerships and securing transformative investments in institutional priorities will be invaluable as we work to elevate and expand our student services, strengthen our academic programming and enrich our campus environment.”

Yates will work closely with FSU faculty and administrators to develop and implement fundraising strategies aimed at achieving specific objectives. She will mobilize a talented fundraising staff to identify and engage loyal, diverse constituencies including students, alumni, parents, friends, corporate partners, public and private foundations, and community stakeholders. 

Yates is a fundraising professional with more than 25 years of experience, most of which was acquired in higher education. Most recently, she led advancement operations at Morehouse College with responsibility for advancement services, prospect research and donor relations. She also facilitated its 50th alumni reunion fundraising effort, earning participation and fundraising awards in 2022 and 2023, respectively. She has secured major gifts as large as $6 million and played key roles in multiple capital campaigns including those at Spelman College ($250 million) and Morehouse College ($500 million).

Yates began her development career at Wesley College as alumni relations secretary and has since served at several institutions and non-profit organizations including Swarthmore College, Lincoln University, Talladega College, Thomas University and The Nature Conservancy, among others.

“I am delighted to join Vice Chancellor Bell and the development team at Fayetteville State University during this new era in education, when acquiring support will be more important than ever. I look forward to adding my personal value to this stellar team and community!” Yates said in a press release. “FSU is committed to making a quality education available to all who seek it, and I am proud to help support the dreams of talented Broncos now and in the future.” 

Yates has presented at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Conference on Donor Relations. She has received honors and recognition from Talladega College for service to an academic department; Ft. Sill Army Base for exemplary performance to the Department of Logistics; Dover Air Force Base for commitment to the community; and The NAACP for long-term dedication. She has also served as a diversity mentor for the Atlanta Chapter of the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Yates is also a founding member of F3 “Fabulous Female Fundraisers.”