NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. - Derek M. Wesley, Ed.D., has been named vice president for institutional advancement at Niagara University following a nationwide search. 

Dr. Wesley, who will start May 9, has extensive experience in higher education fundraising, including nine years at the vice president level. Most recently, he served as the vice president for institutional advancement at Carlow University (Pittsburgh, Pa.), where he oversaw the completion of the largest capital campaign in the Catholic institution's history.

Dr. Wesley previously served in the VPIA capacity for Alfred State College (Alfred, N.Y.) and Mount Marty College (Yankton, S.D.). He has also worked as an adjunct history professor at the collegiate level.

"Derek has a proven track record of building relationships and generating philanthropic support for institutions of higher education. His capital campaign, major gift and staff development experience will serve Niagara well as we continue to strategize advancement objectives for the university," said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M, president of Niagara University.  

As vice president for institutional advancement at Niagara, Dr. Wesley will be responsible for providing visionary leadership, management and strategic direction for the institutional advancement sector. He will be a visible and active presence on campus and throughout the Western New York region, and will maintain primary accountability for establishing and cultivating university relationships with alumni and members of the community. 

Dr. Wesley earned an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and two master's degrees (educational administration and history) from Providence College. His doctorate in educational leadership is from Johnson & Wales University.

Additional information about Niagara University can be found at www.niagara.edu.