Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Wilmington, NC (June 21, 2016) – Following a national search, Derek W. Denton has been named development director for athletics, the University of North Carolina Wilmington announced today. In this role, Denton will serve as executive director of the UNCW Student Aid Association (Seahawk Club).

“Derek’s expertise in athletics fundraising focuses on several key areas for UNCW, such as building alumni chapters and student clubs while also generating significant private support for scholarship endowments and capital projects,” said Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli. “Our athletics program continues to achieve great success in competition and our student-athletes continue to excel in the classroom. Under Derek’s leadership, we’re eager to create new connections with Seahawk fans and friends of the university to capitalize on our program’s momentum.”

Denton will begin his new role at UNCW on Aug. 22, reporting to Eddie Stuart, vice chancellor of the Division for University Advancement. Denton is coming to UNCW from Louisiana State University, where he served as the assistant director of development for the LSU Tiger Athletic Foundation since July 2010. At LSU, he focused on major gift development, raising more than $8.3 million for LSU scholarship endowments and capital projects. His previous experience includes serving as assistant director of the East Carolina University Educational Foundation, where he was responsible for managing 16 Pirate Club chapters as well as the ECU Student Pirate Club.

Denton’s responsibilities will include managing all Seahawk Club fundraising activities and day-to-day operations as well as directing donor recognition and stewardship programs. He will work in collaboration with Stuart and Jimmy Bass, director of athletics, to enhance the educational mission of UNCW Athletics.

“Derek will bring energy and expertise to an important role on our campus,” Stuart said. “He has a proven track record of involving students, alumni, donors and fans in philanthropic programs at LSU and ECU. AD Bass and I are excited about his ideas for building on the strong foundation of support UNCW already receives from the Seahawk nation.”

Denton holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in sport management from ECU.

“I am excited about the opportunity to join the Seahawk family,” Denton said. “I respect the commitment and dedication that UNCW student-athletes and coaches bring to their teams, and I look forward to working with Chancellor Sartarelli, Eddie Stuart and Jimmy Bass to increase philanthropic support and the fan base for UNCW Athletics.”

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The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is consistently recognized at a national level for academic excellence and affordability. UNCW is dedicated to learning through the integration of teaching and mentoring with research and service. A public institution with over 14,000 students, the university is widely acknowledged for its superb faculty and staff and a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry, critical thinking, thoughtful expression and responsible citizenship. UNCW offers an array of high-quality programs at the baccalaureate and master’s levels, and doctoral programs in marine biology, educational leadership, psychology and nursing practice. The university is dedicated to offering a community rich in diversity and inclusion, global perspectives, and enriching the quality of life through scholarly community engagement in such areas as health, education, the economy, the environment, marine and coastal issues, and the arts.