Senior Vice President/Athletic Director, Alex Ricker-Gilbert announced in February, 2019 the addition of Laura Der for the position of Associate Athletic Director for External Engagement. Der joined the Athletic Department after spending the previous year as Senior Director of Engagement & Annual Giving for the University.
"I am thrilled to announce the addition of Laura Der to our leadership team in athletics," Ricker-Gilbert said. "Laura brings a wealth of experience to our external relations department and she will have an immediate impact on our student-athletes, staff, and coaches. Her drive and work ethic fit perfectly with our aggressive approach in continuing to elevate the profile of our university through athletics."
In her previous role, Der was responsible for developing strategy for alumni, faculty, staff and student engagement & giving. She integrated all Alumni and Annual Giving communications, solicitations and events while implementing and analyzing metrics and data-driven marketing and fundraising goals. Her new role in athletics will have similar responsibilities while adding in trailblazing relationships with corporate partners and sponsors as well as a renewed focus on Athletics Giving campaigns.
"I would like to thank Athletic Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert and President Tim Cost for the opportunity to elevate the profile and mission of Jacksonville University through our Athletics external engagement efforts," Der added. "Through my own experiences as a student-athlete and administrator, I understand how lives can be changed and impacted because of the connectivity and community inherent in sports. Our Dolphin student-athletes, past and present, all have outstanding stories to tell and big dreams to chase. It is a joy to share these moments, events, and milestones with our entire Jacksonville University Family."
Prior to her time at Jacksonville University, Laura was Major Gifts Officer at The Pingry School, Assistant Director of Athletic Development at Marshall and an Account Executive at Marshall Advertising.
During her volleyball career at Marshall, Der was a two-time First Team All-Conference USA selection, two time C-USA All-Academic Team member, recipient of the C-USA Spirt of Service Award and ranks top-10 in eight categories in the Marshall volleyball record book.
