Tracy Appling

About Tracy Appling

I am a strategic higher education leader with over 20 years of experience in empowering student success through career coaching, alumni engagement, fundraising, and building strong cross-sector partnerships. I’ve led first-time fundraising campaigns, created scholarships and endowments, and cultivated corporate sponsors to expand opportunities for students. My experience also includes managing fundraising efforts for nonprofits, where I developed innovative strategies to engage donors and secure funding for a variety of impactful causes.In addition to my fundraising expertise, I mentor undergraduate and graduate students, helping them align their career goals with professional opportunities, resulting in successful job placements. I also teach nonprofit management and fundraising, equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills to drive impactful change in their communities.My work extends to supporting NC State alumni and fostering relationships that help students secure internships, track their progress, and ensure meaningful, compensated work experiences. I also work to secure funding for students in unpaid internships and track placement rates to ensure students are moving toward permanent career positions.Recognized with the 2025 NASPAA National Professional Staff Award, I take pride in building sustainable initiatives that strengthen institutions and expand opportunities for students\' academic and professional growth.

Experience

1. Development Consultant

   North Carolina Tree Farm Program

   Jan 2016 — Present

   Lead and execute the organization’s first comprehensive corporate and individual donor campaign.• Develop campaign strategy, donor messaging, sponsorship structure, and outreach plan.• Engage and coordinate with volunteers to implement campaign outreach.• Secured corporate sponsorships and individual gifts, resulting in more than doubling the initial fundraising goal during the inaugural campaign.• Established a sustainable development framework for continued donor growth.

Education

• East Carolina University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Social Work

  1984 — 1988

• North Carolina State University

  M.Ed., Higher Education Administration

  1992 — 1995

• North Carolina State University

  Ed.D., Higher Education Administration

  1995 — 2000

Skills

• Grant Writing
• Qualitative Research
• Student Affairs
• Non-Profits
• Program Evaluation