Shana Nicholson

About Shana Nicholson

Certified Procurement Professional (CPP) with over 20 years of experience supporting funding acquisition for public safety, human services, and community organizations. Dedicated resource for small business growth and development for government contracting as a procurement counselor, proposal manager, and proposal director. Proven excellence in funding opportunity development, acquisition, and management. Ability to significantly improve client engagement and satisfaction by fostering trust through dependability. Committed public servant, life-long learner, civic minded, educator, volunteer firefighter, animal rescuer and mental health advocate.

Experience

1. Director of Advancement

   Salem University

   Jan 2026 — Present · Salem, WV, US

   Entrepreneurial Director of Advancement tasked to lead fundraising, grant development, strategic partnerships, and asset-based revenue initiatives that strengthen Salem University’s long-term sustainability and student opportunities. This role blends advancement leadership with grant writing, community and healthcare partnerships, stewardship of donated land and mineral assets, and includes limited teaching responsibilities. The Director of Advancement plays a central role in expanding non-tuition revenue while advancing Salem’s academic and community mission.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic Partnerships & Campus Development• Lead efforts to bring a healthcare organization onto campus through a lease or partnership arrangement• Structure partnerships that generate institutional revenue and provide clinical or experiential learning opportunities for studentsGrant Development• Partner with academic and athletics leaders to identify grant opportunities aligned with institutional priorities• Write, submit, and coordinate grant proposals on behalf of Salem University• Track grant awards and support successful implementation in collaboration with internal stakeholdersAlumni Engagement & Fundraising• Lead alumni engagement and fundraising initiatives, including serving as University lead for the Salem Alumni Plaza Committee• Cultivate and steward relationships with alumni, donors, foundations, and community partnersAthletics Facilities & Partnerships• Secure grants and partnerships to improve athletics facilities near campus• Coordinate with Athletics and Facilities leadership on grant-funded or partner-supported projectsLand Assets & Mineral Rights• Manage land assets donated by alumni in alignment with donor intent and institutional strategy• Oversee mineral rights leases and coordinate with Finance to ensure royalty tracking, tax compliance, and reporting requirements are metAcademic Engagement• Provide excellent academic instruction for student success

Education

• Capella University

  M.S., Human Services with specialization in Criminal Justice

  2004 — 2005

• Capella University

  PhD, Human Services with specialization in Counseling Studies

  2005 — 2010

• Fairmont State University

  B.S., Criminal Justice

  1995 — 2004