Senior fundraising professional Jessica Jencek recently joined the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry as associate dean for development. In her new role, Jencek leads strategies to advance the Dugoni School of Dentistry’s institutional and philanthropic goals, serves as the executive director of the Dugoni School Foundation to enhance philanthropic support for the school, and manages the development team.

The generosity of donors plays an important role in keeping the Dugoni School at the forefront of dental education. These gifts enhance the school’s endowment for student scholarships and faculty retention and recruitment, grow the annual fund, support new facilities and priority programs, and increase care for underserved patients through clinical services and community outreach.

“The Dugoni School has a strong legacy of building resources through the generous philanthropy of graduates and friends,” said Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi, dean of the Dugoni School. “We are excited that Jessica has returned to the Dugoni School family to expand our efforts. We are also proud to have Jessica serve as the first female leader of the dental school’s development enterprise.” 

Jencek brings with her more than two decades of experience in higher education and health sciences development. She previously served as assistant vice chancellor for university development and alumni relations at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). At UCSF, she oversaw the fundraising strategy for many campus-wide priorities and led a team of frontline fundraisers and administrative staff spanning a number of areas including cancer, neurosciences and basic science. She also served on a five-person leadership cabinet that made strategic decisions around fundraising goals, metrics and overall operations.

Jencek is no stranger to the Dugoni School family. Before joining UCSF, she served as donor relations manager, then annual fund director and finally as a major gifts officer for the Dugoni School of Dentistry. She has also held roles at University of California, Berkeley and the Fordham University School of Law.

A native of Sacramento, Jencek received a bachelor of science degree in communication, magna cum laude with distinction in research, from Cornell University. She and her husband Brian live with their daughter Ava in San Francisco.

Alumni, friends, community members and others interested in supporting the Dugoni School are invited to learn more on the school's website.