Haki Halisi is a mission-driven advancement professional committed to servant leadership, ensuring philanthropy serves as a transformative force for students, donors, and the broader community. As Assistant Vice President for Scholarships and Annual Giving at Florida Atlantic University, he provides strategic leadership in expanding scholarship funding, strengthening Florida Atlantic’s philanthropic culture, and connecting donors with opportunities to support life-changing education initiatives. Under his leadership, Florida Atlantic University has achieved record-breaking success in its annual Giving Day campaigns, increasing alumni participation and community engagement.
Throughout his career, he has successfully stewarded transformative gifts, including a $4 million renewable energy scholarship initiative and multi-year contributions from national foundations and corporate partners. His ability to cultivate major donors and secure high-impact philanthropic investments has significantly expanded scholarship resources, ensuring access to education for students from all backgrounds.
Haki plays a key role in shaping innovative fundraising strategies in response to evolving higher education challenges, including shifts in federal education funding. As a member of Florida Atlantic University’s Strategic Workgroup for Ascending to the Top (SWAT Team), he works closely with university leadership, deans, and development officers to expand private scholarship support, build lasting endowments, and develop creative fundraising initiatives that ensure student success. His ability to foster partnerships with individuals, corporations, and foundations strengthens Florida Atlantic’s financial resilience and commitment to opportunity.
With nearly 30 years of experience in higher education philanthropy, Haki has held leadership roles at American University, Howard University, Miami Dade College, and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). He has dedicated his career to developing sustainable, student-focused fundraising initiatives that drive institutional growth and expand access to higher education. He is a board member of the Arts for Autism Foundation and an active member of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
