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Dr. Sandra Diaz, an advancement professional with nearly three decades of successful leadership experience across a range of mission-driven organizations, has been named vice president for institutional advancement at William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. She will also serve as president of the William Paterson University Foundation.
Diaz joins William Paterson after six years as the executive director of the University of the Andes Foundation, where she increased annual giving more than fivefold, among other accomplishments. She also brings deep experience in New Jersey public higher education, including positions at the Rutgers University Foundation, Ramapo College, and New Jersey City University.
“Sandra is a strategic thinker, who uses data-driven assessment to refine and improve programs and campaigns. She also brings great people skills and a record as a team builder and collaborator, both rooted in her commitment to education as a means of empowerment,” says President Richard J. Helldobler. “She appreciates that philanthropy, alumni relations, events, and advancement operations are all ultimately about relationships, and I know she is eager to begin forging new ones among the WP community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.”
“It was clear to the search committee that Sandra has the necessary experience and skills to continue the strong trajectory of the William Paterson University Foundation,” says Aaron Van Duyne III ‘75, MM ‘08, chair of the Foundation and co-chair of the search committee. “She clearly understands our student population and their great need for philanthropic support from our alumni, friends, and donors, and I know that members of the Foundation board look forward to working with her in this new role.”
Prior to joining the University of the Andes Foundation in 2020, Diaz held progressively senior roles across higher education and the nonprofit sector, including vice president for leadership gifts-Northeast region at Teach for America and senior director of development for the “I Have a Dream” Foundation. She also served as assistant vice president for institutional advancement at Ramapo College, executive director of annual giving and director of reunion campaigns for the Rutgers University Foundation, and director of annual giving at New Jersey City University.
A native of Bogota, N.J., an immigrant and the daughter of immigrants, Diaz earned a bachelor of arts in political science and women’s studies with a minor in Spanish, a master of public administration degree, and a certificate in nonprofit management, all from Rutgers University. She also holds a PhD with a concentration in leadership in higher education from Capella University, as well as a certificate in fundraising strategies from New York University. She is a resident of Demarest, New Jersey.
