Orangeburg native Brailey committed to fostering community ties as SC State’s major gifts officer

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Aubrai M. Brailey’s relationship with South Carolina State University is more than professional -- it is deeply personal.
 
Brailey joined the university in March as the major gifts officer in the Division of University Advancement. Her role is to develop and implement comprehensive strategies for donor cultivation and stewardship, helping secure major gifts and partnerships that support the university’s mission.
 
But Brailey’s association with SC State began well before she joined the university’s staff. Proudly hailing from Orangeburg, Brailey knows just how much SC State means to the community.
 
“I am truly honored to be working at SC State University, a place that has deeply shaped both my personal and professional journey,” Brailey said. “As someone with strong family ties to the university, this role is more than just a career — it’s a homecoming.”
 
As a child, she spent many days on the university’s campus with her grandmother, a retired early childhood professor. She fondly remembers her grandfather and uncle, known as the Brailey Brothers, who worked in the university’s mailroom and procurement departments. This family legacy has shaped her commitment to giving back to the institution that played such an important role in her life.
 
“My goal is to honor the legacy of those who came before me by contributing to the future success of this incredible institution,” Brailey said. “I am excited to build meaningful partnerships and secure the resources needed to elevate Bulldog Country and ensure that SC State continues to transform lives for generations to come.”
 
Brailey is committed to advancing ties within the Orangeburg community through the implementation of various community initiatives. Most recently, she organized the highly successful Bulldog Community Fan Fest during Homecoming week. The event engaged students, alumni, and the broader Orangeburg community with entertainment, activities, and opportunities to learn about the university’s offerings.
 
Before joining SC State, Brailey held several positions in higher education, including assistant director for campus visits at the University of South Carolina-Columbia, sports medicine instructor and community and university liaison at the South Carolina Department of Education, and athletic recruitment and hospitality coordinator at North Carolina A&T State University.
 
Brailey holds a Master of Science in kinesiology from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Science in sport science and fitness management from North Carolina A&T State University. She is pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in health sciences with a concentration in sport and exercise science at Liberty University.
 
In addition to her professional achievements, Brailey holds her family close, cherishing her beautiful daughter, Avé.
 
With every project she undertakes, Brailey is reminded of her family's legacy at SC State. From securing key resources to developing strategic fundraising strategies, she is committed to elevating Bulldog Country and ensuring that SC State continues to offer life-changing opportunities for its students.
 
“My role within the Division of University Advancement allows me to give back to the community that has been so integral to my personal and professional journey,” she said. “I am eager to continue building relationships that will ensure the university’s success for years to come.”