Dictson named senior director of engineering development

derek dictson
Derek Dictson

Derek Dictson has been named senior director of development in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, according to an announcement by Christopher B. Roberts, dean of engineering. Dictson, who previously served as senior director of development at Texas A&M University, will begin his role Dec. 1.

Dictson will be responsible for the college’s development and fundraising efforts, managing and coaching development officers and coordinators, implementing fundraising activities and strategies, directing the college’s strategic plan in collaboration with the dean and ensuring goals and objectives are met. He will also serve as a major gifts officer.

“We are thrilled to have Derek join our team, and I am confident that through his leadership and experience we will continue to build on our amazing success in this campaign to further provide the resources necessary for our students and faculty to thrive,” Roberts said.

Jane DiFolco Parker, university vice president for development, said Dictson’s experience and success at a major institution such as Texas A&M made him the ideal candidate for the position.

“Derek’s experience with major gift fundraising, especially at a university with a rich engineering history, will be a vital asset as we move into the final year of Because This is Auburn – A Campaign for Auburn University,” Parker said.

Dictson holds a bachelor’s in agricultural business/economics from New Mexico State University and a master’s in public service and administration from Texas A&M.

“I am excited to join the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, and I’m looking forward to working with a group of dedicated development officers and coordinators who have an immense passion and love for the college,” Dictson said. “The success the team has had during this campaign is a testament to how Auburn Engineering truly is the embodiment of the phrase ‘Auburn Family.’”

Prior to serving as senior director of development at Texas A&M, Dictson was director of development for three years. He also previously served as executive director of Health For All Clinic, president of the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, owner of Dictson Tree Service and Heartland Ventures and executive director of the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association.

Dictson succeeds Ed Lewis, who served as engineering lead development advisor since 2013. Lewis will assume his new role as senior advisor to the dean.

“Ed has done a phenomenal job guiding us through this campaign, which is evidenced by the college surpassing its $200 million goal, the highest of any academic unit, less than one year into the public phase,” Roberts said. “As we move forward, Ed will continue to be a tremendous asset to the dean’s office as we build and implement programs within the college, including the highly anticipated Brown-Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center.”

Media Contact: Austin Phillips, adp0019@auburn.edu, 334-844-2444

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