Quick Search: Articles, newspapers, books and ebooks, videos and more. Results primarily available online but may also include books available in the library or articles that can be requested for email delivery from ILLiad.

Library Information: Pages on library web site, for example research guides, library policies and procedures, hours and events.

Nikkie Preston

Director of Development

  • Unit: Administration
  • Phone: 702-895-2239
  • Email: nikkie.preston@unlv.edu
  • Mail Stop: 7001
  • Name Pronunciation: NIK-ee PRESS-tun

Roles and responsibilities

I am proud to lead fundraising efforts for the UNLV University Libraries where I connect people’s passions with purpose. Every day I work alongside Dean Maggie Farrell and the UNLV Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team to bring major gifts to life that empower our students, support our faculty, and strengthen the heart of our campus community.

I manage a dynamic portfolio of donors and prospects focusing on transformational gifts of $50,000 and above. My days are filled with meaningful conversations, crafting proposals that reflect a donor’s values, and celebrating the incredible impact their generosity creates.

Beyond fundraising I oversee stewardship and alumni engagement ensuring every supporter feels genuinely appreciated and connected. I also work with the Libraries Advisory Board and collaborate with our talented teams across Special Collections, the Oral History Research Center, and Communications to tell our stories in authentic and powerful ways.

Ask me about…

  • Major gifts to advance University Libraries priorities
  • How to support Special Collections and Archives and the Oral History Research Center
  • Naming and recognition opportunities in Libraries spaces and programs
  • Gift strategies including cash, appreciated securities, bequests, and other planned giving options
  • Hosting or sponsoring donor recognition moments and community engagement events
  • Alumni engagement ideas that connect graduates back to the Libraries
  • Building a tailored stewardship plan for your gift
  • Joining or partnering with the Libraries Advisory Board
  • Crafting a compelling proposal or case statement for a passion project

Honors and awards

  • President, Association of Fundraising Professionals ( January 2026 - )
  • President-Elect, Association of Fundraising Professionals (January 2025 - December 2025)
  • IDEA Chair, Association of Fundraising Professionals (January 2025 - Present)
  • Board Member, Association of American Medical Colleges Development Advisory Group (May 2024 - November 2025)
  • Secretary, Vegas HealthCare Board (March 2024 - Present)
  • Public Education Foundation Black Girl Magic Host Committee (March 2023 - Present)
  • Board Member, IDEA Co-Chair, Association of Fundraising Professionals (November 2023 - December 2024)
  • Board Member, Kline Veteran Fund (July 2023 - December 2024)
  • President, Hospice Veteran Partnership of Nevada (Jan 2020 - Present)
  • President, Southern NV Chapter of Directors of Volunteers in Agencies (DOVIA) (Jan 2021 - Present)
  • Board Member, Give A Mile (Jan 2021 - Present) – Participated on flight review and donor approval teams.
  • Diversity Advisory Council Member, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) (Jan 2020 – April 2025) – DEI Employee Retention Committee.
  • Industry Leadership Advisory Council Member, UNLV College of Liberal Arts (Jan 2021 – December 2024)
  • Volunteer/Volunteer Manager Steering Committee Member, NHPCO (Nov 2018 – November 2023) – Chair of Mentorship Committee.
  • Board Member, DreamCatchers (June 2019 - January 2021)
  • Vice President, DOVIA (Nov 2017 – Dec 2020)

LinkedIn