UNCP selects Waterkotte to lead Advancement

Sandra K. Waterkotte has been hired as Vice Chancellor for the Office of Advancement to lead fund-raising and alumni activities at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

With 25 years of development experience, Waterkotte comes to UNCP from the University of Oklahoma, where she served as Assistant Vice President and Director of Development. Supervising 35 employees, she has been with the 25,000-student university since 1995.

At the Norman, Okla., campus Waterkotte helped direct the $500 million "Reach for Excellence" campaign, which increased OU's endowment by 250 percent.

Chancellor Allen C. Meadors said the newest member of his executive staff brings a strong fund-raising background in higher education.

"We are delighted to have Sandy Waterkotte join the UNCP family," Chancellor Meadors said. "She brings 25 years of experience to our Advancement division. In this day, our ability to let our alumni and friends participate in the growth and development of their university is critical to the future of our University."

Waterkotte said she got a piece of advice about UNC Pembroke from one of its most famous native sons.

"When I heard about this opportunity, I went to UNCP's website, and who did I see on the homepage but (Oklahoma Basketball Coach) Kelvin Sampson," Waterkotte said. "Kelvin is a really great guy, and he was incredibly enthusiastic about Pembroke."

An autographed basketball is now one of the new vice chancellor's prized possessions. She said UNCP presents a challenging and stimulating fund raising environment.

"This is an exciting time in the history of this University," Waterkotte said. "This institution shows all kinds of promise. During my initial visits to campus, I was immediately impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm of board members, volunteers, faculty and the Advancement staff. Everyone seems to recognize that we're poised for greatness. "

One of Waterkotte's important functions is to serve as Executive Director for the UNCP Foundation, Inc., which manages a large portion of the University's endowment.

"Through his vision for this University, Chancellor Meadors has put the Foundation and our endowment in a great position to grow," Waterkotte said.
A Detroit, Mich., native, Waterkotte is a graduate of Michigan State University. Following an eight-year stint in radio, she worked in advancement for 25 years. At the University of Pittsburgh she was Associate Director of Development and Alumni Officer and at Carnegie Mellon University, she was Director of Foundation Relations and Director of Annual Giving.

She is a member of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and winner of the District IV, 2001 Audio-Visual Category for producing a video CD for Gift Club Prospects. Waterkotte is also a member of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (AFP).

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