WS Chronicle

Special to The Chronicle

GREENSBORO – A higher education development professional with expertise in financial advising, philanthropic management and fundraising is the new vice president for Institutional Advancement at Bennett College.

LaDaniel “Danny” Gatling II, who has significant experience in the financial services industry and 18 years of executive development experience in higher education, began working at Bennett on Sept. 4.

Gatling comes to Bennett from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he worked as director of development for constituent programs. In that role, Gatling served as a close collaborator and partner to the University’s schools, centers and institutes in developing effective strategies to increase major donor activity and grow the prospect base to support a $4.25 billion comprehensive campaign.

Before working in Chapel Hill, Gatling worked at Elon University’s School of Law as the assistant dean for development and served as the senior fundraising officer and strategic partner of the dean.

Gatling earned a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master of Science in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University. After graduating from A&T in 1994, Gatling worked with the architectural engineering firm of Alley, Williams, Carmen and King in Greensboro. In 1995, he chose to pursue a career in financial services, joining Primerica Financial Services, a subsidiary of Citigroup, as a financial analyst.

He said he looks forward to returning to Bennett, where he worked as associate vice president for Institutional Advancement from 2006 to 2007. 

“I am excited about returning to Bennett, where the history and traditions are so rich,” Gatling said. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Dawkins, the faculty and staff at the College.”

I am particularly excited about working with the Institutional Advancement staff, as we continue trying to increase the College’s resources through aggressive, proven fundraising and marketing tactics.”

Dawkins said Gatling has just the type of expertise Bennett needs.

“Mr. Gatling has a proven track record of raising significant amounts of money at both public and private institutions,” Dawkins said. “I am confident he will hit the ground running and help Bennett College maintain and sustain solid financial footing. I am excited to have Mr. Gatling as part of my Leadership Team.”

Gatling said he’s eager to roll up his sleeves and get to work.

“Bennett is a jewel in Greensboro and among HBCUs,” Gatling said. “I look forward to coming back and using my knowledge and experience to help the College grow and excel.”