UNF names Teresa Nichols VP of University Development and Alumni Engagement
The University of North Florida has named Teresa Nichols as vice president of University Development and Alumni Engagement and executive director of the UNF Foundation, Inc. Nichols has served as UDAE’s interim vice president since January 2022.
Nichols, a proud UNF alumna, oversees fundraising operations and alumni engagement efforts for the University. She leads a team of more than 45 dedicated staff members including fundraisers in all six colleges, Athletics, MOCA and Academic and Students Affairs, foundation and corporate relations, planned giving, as well as the donor engagement and stewardship, alumni engagement, annual giving and advancement operations teams.
Under Nichols’ leadership, the University exceeded its FY23 fundraising goals closing out the fiscal year last week with a year-end total of almost $27 million, a 25% increase in cash and pledges over the prior year. Over the past four years, she led staff that brought in more than $100 million for the University.
“Teresa is a respected leader with a proven record in philanthropy and a deep love for her alma mater,” said President Moez Limayem. “As UNF continues to grow in size and prominence, I look forward to working with Teresa and her team. She is a great motivator and has a deep appreciation for genuine relationship building. Her commitment to our students and University is inspiring.”
Nichols first joined UNF in 2015 as a director of development for the Coggin College of Business. She later served as an assistant vice president in UDAE, and then as an associate vice president for the division.
Prior to her time at UNF, Nichols was the director of philanthropy at The First Tee and director of major gifts at Wounded Warrior Project where she organized multiple, national fundraising events and raised more than $51 million in 24 months. Before making the change to philanthropy, Nichols enjoyed a successful career in mortgage banking.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is active on campus and in the community, including serving on the board of the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville. She also recently co-chaired President Limayem’s Inauguration.