This white paper reports on a study exploring the views of chief fundraising executives at private colleges and universities about the relationship between public relations and fundraising. The research focused on how fundraising executives define public relations and use public relations tactics and strategies within their institutions' fundraising operations. In addition, fundraising executives were asked about what essential skills and training or academic degrees a fundraiser would need to be successful. The study was designed to explore how strategic public relations is at the core of successful fundraising operations and whether future fundraisers should consider selecting an academic path in public relations to prepare for the profession. The research also focused on the fundraising profession overall and whether having an identified academic base deeply linked in related theories and methodologies would aid the profession in terms of its reputation and credibility. the interview questionnaire is appended.