Temple University President Neil D. Theobald today announced the selection of James Dicker as the university’s new vice president for institutional advancement, subject to approval of the Temple Board of Trustees. Dicker has been serving as vice president of development and college relations at Lafayette College since 2002. He brings more than 25 years of fundraising experience to his role at Temple.

“Jim Dicker understands the tremendous difference that private giving can make at an institution of higher education,” Theobald said. “He is a skillful administrator who will ensure that Temple University continues to strengthen its development profile.

“Jim has a clear vision for what donor support can do to help Temple reach its goals. I am confident that we have found the ideal person to maximize private support in these challenging economic times.”

Theobald noted that private giving will take on an increasingly important role as state support for public higher education plateaus and students look for affordable options.

“Temple alumni and friends can have a tremendous impact on the lives of our students,” Theobald said. “Now, more than ever, we need their help to keep a Temple education excellent and affordable.”

Dicker said he was thrilled with the opportunity Temple presents.

“Temple University is one of the state’s great public research universities, with a national reputation for quality teaching,” Dicker said. “I will be forever grateful for the many years I have been associated with Lafayette and look forward to using my experience to build new levels of support for Temple.”

In his new role at Temple, Dicker will lead the university’s alumni relations and development teams. He will join a strong operation, which broke several records recently.

Last year was Temple University's best-ever fundraising year, with $65.8 million in new gifts and pledges. Support for student scholarships nearly doubled during the same period.

In addition, Temple experienced a double-digit rise in research awards and significant growth in licensing revenue.

Dicker has taken on increasing levels of responsibility throughout his career at Lafayette, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in government and law in 1985. He began as assistant director of the Lafayette Annual Fund in 1988, became the fund director three years later and then was named director of major gifts in 1995.

After only two years in major gifts, he became director of development and alumni affairs in 1997, when he planned and coordinated the $213 million Lafayette Leadership Campaign.

As vice president for development and college relations, he provided the strategic planning and oversight for the college’s $400 million, comprehensive capital campaign.

Under his leadership, Lafayette’s development effort won 2012 and 2013 Circle of Excellence Awards for Education Fundraising from CASE, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.