Kim Nyoni
Associate Vice President for Development
Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Kim is an accomplished university advancement professional who has been fortunate to work on behalf of top ranked research universities around the country. He has represented the University of California Berkeley, Washington University, Utah State University, University of Arizona, University of Missouri and currently, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Kim has a profound passion for connecting alumni and friends to a university in meaningful ways, that include facilitating opportunities for philanthropic giving, corporate partnerships and other means that match donors passion with institutional priorities. During his career, Kim has been part of all phases of four major capital campaigns that have significantly transformed the institutions he has represented. He is proud to have played a role in ensuring the long-term viability of public universities to fulfill the promise of the Morril Acts.
Kim has spent the majority of his career building fundraising programs from the ground up and enjoying the challenge/opportunity of creating future success. As a leader, he enjoys bringing together a team of talented individuals, mentoring and providing the necessary tools to not only ensure success but most importantly to prepare the team for future career growth opportunities. Kim is a firm believer that investing in your team is investing in successful outcomes.
Kim is committed to the mission of public research universities. He is honored to play his part in the continued success of our universities by facilitating private investment from generous philanthropists, corporate partners and charitable foundations.
How did you get interested in the fundraising profession?
I came into the field accidentally as they say. My first realization that fundraising was an actual profession came about during my time as a graduate assistant in the University of Nebraska Athletics Department. We shared an office space with the development team. I got exposed to the work that they were doing and thought it may be a good fit for my skillset. I recall having a weekly conversation with my mentor at the time, the late Dr. Barbara Hibner, Senior Women’s Administrator and Associate Athletic Director. She would share with me how she engaged donors to raise support for women’s athletic programs, the joy she felt is seeing her work impact the lives of students. My time with Dr. H as we called her is what inspired me to pursue fundraising as a career.
What is something you wish you knew early on in your fundraising career?
The importance of building your career with a mission driven institution that aligns with your core values vs. pursuing an opportunity based on compensation
What is the one quality every fundraiser should have?
Integrity. You can’t teach it. One has to have the ability to represent the best interest of their organization at all times while ensuring that the donor’s intent is fulfilled. Many times as development professionals, we find ourselves in situations where the gravity of needs that an institution is facing leads to pressure to deliver results at all costs. Having integrity ensures that we protect the interests of a donor and institution by finding that nexus between institutional priorities and donor’s passion.
What inspires you about the fundraising profession?
Being part of a profession that helps transform lives and build communities. As a fundraising professional in higher education, I am inspired by the students who overcome tremendous challenges as first generation students to pursue an education, which is made possible through philanthropy. I am inspired by the generous individuals who truly embody the notion of service to others above self. I get to work with these individuals and families to help them help others. I can’t think of many professions where this is possible.
How do you want to be remembered as a professional?
I wish to be remembered as someone who cared about the field of fundraising enough to invest in the growth of professionals within our field, especially those from underrepresented populations, in order to ensure that our profession is served by the most ethical mission driven individuals. I wish to be remembered as a mission driven leader who helped others find their path to success while building institution’s capacity to transform lives.