Danita Nias named director of U. of Florida alumni association
University of Florida
April 29, 2011
Danita Nias has been selected as executive director of the University of Florida Alumni Association which represents more than 350,000 alumni, university officials announced today.
She will assume the UF post effective July 1.
Nias is currently assistant vice president for development and alumni relations for the University of Maryland, College Park and has been nationally recognized for her work.
“Our alumni deserve the very best leadership possible. Danita is a rising star in the profession and comes to UF with a wealth of knowledge and experience to lead the alumni association well into the future,” said Tom Mitchell, UF’s vice president for development and alumni relations. “I have no doubt her passion and commitment will inspire my fellow Gators as it inspires me.”
Her vast experience in higher education, fundraising, athletic administration and the private sector helped her rise to the top of the list of 120 applicants. Over the past four months, a 15-person search advisory committee chaired by UF College of Health and Human Performance Dean Steve Dorman held extensive interviews with candidates.
“We took our responsibility to the university and the Gator Nation very seriously. Danita possesses the unique blend of qualities we were looking for in our next alumni association director,” Dorman said. “She clearly embodies the characteristics we value in someone who will guide the future of UF’s alumni organization.”
Nias’ experience includes her current position at Maryland where in addition to overseeing activities of the alumni association, she has significant responsibilities for managing the University of Maryland’s current $1 billion capital campaign.
Prior to her position in alumni and development, Nias was Maryland’s senior associate director of athletics where she was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the university’s intercollegiate enterprise.
Nias began her professional career with the Xerox Corporation followed by 11 years in sales with Learning International in Greenbelt, Md.
Nias has a master of social science degree from the Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs with a concentration in international relations. She also has a bachelor of science degree from the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business with a concentration in personnel and labor relations.
