Elizabeth City, N.C. — Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) has named seasoned fundraising leader LaDaniel Gatling II as its next Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, effective Dec. 15. Gatling, who has secured more than $25 million in gifts over his two-decade career, joins ECSU to strengthen philanthropic partnerships, expand donor engagement and elevate the university’s advancement strategy.
Gatling brings extensive experience across higher education, foundations and nonprofit organizations—most recently serving as the founder of GLK Philanthropic Consulting, LLC, a Greensboro-based firm known for driving multimillion-dollar gifts, modernizing advancement operations and supporting mission-driven clients in achieving transformative campaign results. His strategic counsel and hands-on approach have helped organizations diversify donor bases, build sustainable infrastructure, and activate donor pipelines with measurable outcomes.
A trusted advisor to presidents and senior leaders, Gatling previously served as vice president for Advancement and Alumni Relations at Guilford College and as vice president for Institutional Advancement at Bennett College, with earlier roles at UNC-Chapel Hill and the Elon University School of Law. At Bennett College, he led the nationally recognized #StandWithBennett campaign, raising $10 million and attracting 11,000 new donors. At Guilford College, he increased annual giving by 20%, grew alumni participation to 15%, and expanded the college’s giving day, Guilford Madness, from $235,000 to $585,000.
Gatling also serves the philanthropic sector as chair of the Alumni Board for the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and as an adjunct professor at UNC Greensboro and The Fundraising School at Indiana University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University.
A native of Chesapeake, Va., Gatling has been active on community boards including Downtown Greensboro, Inc., the Greensboro Children’s Museum, and East Greensboro Now. He is also a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
Gatling’s track record will support the university’s strategic priorities and elevate its presence among North Carolina’s top public institutions.
As the institution transitions to new advancement leadership, ECSU extends its appreciation to Kevin J. Wade, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, for his dedicated service as interim vice chancellor for University Advancement.