Shelton State Names Longtime UA Executive As Dean Of Advancement

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Shelton State Community College has named longtime University of Alabama executive Neely Portera as its new dean of advancement.

Shelton State says Portera has more than 23 years of experience in higher education advancement, strategic philanthropy and organizational leadership.

She most recently served as executive director of regional development at the University of Alabama, a position she held since 2017 after serving as director of development from 2003 to 2017, according to her LinkedIn profile.

During her tenure at UA, Shelton State says Portera helped advance two of the university's most significant fundraising initiatives by contributing to the successful completion of the university's $600 million capital campaign and later serving in a leadership role during UA's historic $2 billion comprehensive campaign.

In her new role, Portera will oversee advancement efforts at Shelton State, including fundraising and philanthropic initiatives that support the college's students and programs.

In addition to her university leadership roles, she has served as a council member for the Alabama State Council on the Arts since 2014.

A graduate of the University of Alabama, Portera earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations, advertising and applied communication in 1995.

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