Contact: Sammy McDavid
STARKVILLE, Miss.--As its "State of the Future" campaign continues, the Mississippi State University Foundation is adding new professional staff members to assist with private fundraising for some key campus units.
"We are extremely pleased to fill these posts with individuals whose previous work experiences demonstrate the potential to help raise support in areas where private giving is critical for success," said John P. Rush, the foundation's director of major gifts.
Two of the three new development officers are MSU graduates. They include:
--Brett B. Aldridge, Division of Student Affairs. A 2005 MSU communication/public relations graduate from Pensacola, Fla., he has been an account executive with BellSouth in Birmingham, Ala. He will work with the major university unit responsible for enrollment services, housing, financial aid, health services, student organizations, counseling, police, recreational sports, and other student service functions.
--Robert E. Jenkins Jr., College of Education. A 1992 business administration graduate from Starkville, he previously was an AmSouth Bank branch manager. Jenkins will work with the dean's office and seven departments of the academic unit that is a member of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.
Also, Ryan Little has been promoted to director of development for the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering. Previously the assistant director, he is a 2000 University of Oklahoma marketing graduate who earlier held positions with Hands On Atlanta and Boy Scouts of America.
"Ryan has done a great job advancing the college and we are confident he will continue to do an outstanding job leading the efforts for private gifts in the Bagley College," Rush said.
Bagley is one of MSU's two oldest academic programs and among only about 20 named engineering colleges in the nation. It is listed in the top 10 percent nationally in engineering research expenditures, ranking above most other Southeastern Conference schools.
"State of the Future: The Mississippi State Campaign" has attracted more than
$330 million toward a minimum goal of $400 million by the end of 2008. Key components of the campaign involve scholarships and fellowships, endowed faculty positions, new and renovated facilities, and educational and other program enhancements.
NEWS EDITORS/DIRECTORS: For more information, contact Rush at 662-325-1108 or rush@foundation.msstate.edu.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.