Alyssa Fencel-Davila joined the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia as Assistant Director of Development in 2024. In this role, she helps connect donors, alumni, and community partners with opportunities to support medical education, research, and initiatives that improve health outcomes across South Carolina.

Alyssa earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Coastal Carolina University. Before transitioning into higher education advancement, she taught first grade for four years in Lexington County Schools, where she developed a deep appreciation for building relationships and supporting lifelong learning. She later joined the Develop Carolina professional development cohort and earned her Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Originally from Nogales, Arizona, and a graduate of Ashley Ridge High School in Summerville, South Carolina, Alyssa brings an educator’s heart and a connector’s mindset to her work in philanthropy. She is passionate about building relationships and creating meaningful impact that advances the School of Medicine’s mission. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her dogs — Ollie, a retired racing greyhound, and Bailey — as well as reading and traveling with her husband, Derek, in search of new adventures.