Jim Dicker began as F&M’s new Vice President for College Advancement on Jan. 5. He brings more than 35 years of experience as a leader in philanthropy and advancement and has managed everything from campaign ideation and execution to fundraising and alumni engagement. 

Most recently, Dicker served as the vice president for development and alumni relations at the University of Delaware, where he led efforts to successfully conclude Delaware First: The Campaign for the University of Delaware. That historic fundraising initiative resulted in more than $1 billion in philanthropic support, including more than $282 million for the university's endowment. The campaign engaged more than 113,000 donors. Campaign priorities included student success and financial aid; innovation in faculty and student research and graduate education; and significant capital investment, including the construction of the Whitney Athletic Center, a new hub for strength, conditioning, nutrition and wellness. Before Delaware, Dicker was at Temple University and Lafayette College, which is his alma mater.

“I am thrilled to join the Franklin & Marshall College community and advance the mission of this incredible institution under the leadership of President Rich,” said Dicker. “As a first-generation graduate of a small, private liberal arts college, I know firsthand how this type of education can change the trajectory of a person’s life. I’ve been committed to it my whole career, and nothing excites me more than working in this environment and working to provide these opportunities for others.”

"Nothing excites me more than working in this environment and working to provide these opportunities for others."

- Jim Dicker, Vice President for Advancement at Franklin & Marshall College. Photo credit: Kathy Atkinson, University of Delaware.

“Jim Dicker combines an extraordinary track record of success in fundraising and development with a deep commitment to the liberal arts,” said President Andrew Rich. “Jim understands the power that a college like F&M has on students, our community, and society. He knows how to lead us into the next chapter for fundraising and alumni engagement, and I am thrilled to welcome Jim to Franklin & Marshall College.” 

From 2014 to 2017, Dicker served as vice president for institutional advancement at Temple University. Under his leadership, the university secured a $25 million gift — at that time the largest in the institution’s history — to name the Lewis Katz School of Medicine.

Dicker began his advancement career at Lafayette College in annual giving, coordinating student philanthropy and the college’s senior class campaign. Over the next 25 years, he would take on increasing leadership roles, culminating in his tenure as vice president for development and college relations. In his time at Lafayette, he contributed to the successful execution of the Lafayette Leadership Campaign, which raised more than $213 million, and positioned the college for the public launch of the Campaign for Lafayette, which would go on to raise more than $400 million for the institution.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in government and law from Lafayette, where he competed on the college’s Division I wrestling team. In 2021, he was inducted into the Leopards’ Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments as a two-time NCAA qualifier and for earning the most individual wins in program history, a record that still stands.

Dicker and his wife, Mandy, are the parents of three adult children.