Limestone University Names Dr. David Finklea As Assistant VP For Institutional Advancement

Limestone University has hired Dr. David Finklea as its new Assistant Vice President for Institution Advancement.

He will work collaboratively with Limestone’s Institutional Advancement team, led by Vice President Stacy Aldrich, to develop, implement and achieve strategic plans for increasing private support; and provide leadership and direction for major gifts, corporate and foundation gifts, planned giving, annual giving, donor relations and prospect research. He will be directly involved in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts to the University.

For Finklea, this is the culmination of a journey of both career and faith that has taken a few twists and turns.

The son of a pastor, Finklea was wrestling with his faith as he graduated high school and enrolled at Liberty University. While there, he eventually began reading books on Christianity that introduced him to new ideas and new histories, while also bringing a lot of questions.

“I changed my major from business to religion, and discovered my understanding of God was not as strong as I’d thought,” he explained. “Then I discovered how Chrisian higher education gave me the tools I needed to work through my faith as a young adult. That’s when I decided to pursue a career in Christian higher education.”

That revelation led Finklea to pursue a bachelor’s degree in religion and religious studies, as well as a master’s degree in theological studies, both from Liberty. He then accepted a position in a doctorate program at Columbia International University, with aspirations of becoming a professor.

While working as the Assistant Director for the Prison Initiative at CIU, he sought out funds to help continue educating incarcerated students during the coronavirus pandemic. After pursuing a number of grants for the initiative, he transitioned into institutional advancement. Finklea served as an Advancement Officer for Major Gifts later that year, before assuming the role of Director of Foundations and Strategic Partnerships.

After finishing his doctorate in organization leadership, Finklea moved from CIU to South Carolina State University, serving as the Executive Director of the SCSU Foundation for the past year. He was still feeling the call to eventually return to a higher education institution with a Christian background, though, when he found the opportunity that was available at Limestone.

“Limestone was so appealing to me because I really found Jesus during my college years. Without this experience, I may not have remained a Christian. Many students are struggling with similar challenges, which is why Institutional Advancement is essential; it ensures that Limestone University can continue to thrive,” he said, referencing Henri Nouwen’s A Spirituality of Fundraising as a key influence in cultivating his passion for fundraising at Christian institutions. “It brings me joy every morning to come here, knowing my work contributes to something purposeful and meaningful in the lives of students.” 

For more information on Limestone University, visit www.limestone.edu.