The Office of Institutional Advancement is pleased to announce the hiring of Dante Pittman, Grant Writer, and Donna Gray, Associate Vice President for Principal Gifts as of March 4, 2024.
Dante brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community service to his new role as Grant Writer at Barton College. A proud alumnus of Ralph L. Fike High School in Wilson, Dante furthered his education at UNC-Chapel Hill, earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Dante’s professional background includes significant leadership roles with the City of Wilson, where he served as the Human Relations Director and Assistant to the City Manager.
“Barton College is important to the larger Wilson community,” Dante shares. “I believe that a strong Wilson requires a strong Barton College. I am excited to join this community to help make sure we continue enhancing this wonderful community and provide the best opportunity to our students.”
His dedication to the Wilson community is evident through his active participation in various local organizations. He currently chairs the Wilson County Department of Social Services Board of Directors and has contributed to numerous other community boards. In addition, Dante serves as a Captain in the North Carolina Army National Guard. He and his wife, Lucy, reside in Wilson with their two dogs, Roy and Gladys, and their cat, Poppy.
“I am most looking forward to creating new partnerships within our community and connecting partners to further our work on campus. This is a time to go all in for the College and push Barton to new heights.”
Donna Gray joins the Barton College team with over 25 years of experience in securing resources for higher education, wildlife conservation, and historic preservation. In her new role as Associate Vice President for Principal Gifts, Donna will focus on building and strengthening relationships to grow our leadership gifts, identifying opportunities at the College that align with donor interests.
“President Searcy is who sparked my initial interest in both the Barton and Wilson community,” Donna shares. “I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Searcy for several years at the University of Mary Washington, so I’ve witnessed his, and Mrs. Searcy’s, extraordinary leadership and interpersonal skills firsthand. I respect and admire who the Searcy’s are as people, as professionals, as community members – so the more I heard their excitement about Barton’s and Wilson’s future, the more I was sure something special was happening here, and I wanted to learn more. Indeed, very special things are happening here, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this important chapter in Barton’s rich history!”
Donna hails from Virginia’s horse country and is a proud graduate of James Madison University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English. She is excited to immerse herself in the Barton College community and explore the rich culture of eastern North Carolina. Donna is also the proud mother of two college-aged children who continue to inspire her every day.
Welcome Donna and Dante!
END