Contact: Amy Cagle
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Dees Murphy is the new assistant director of development for both the Mississippi State University Extension Service and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
The Canton native joined the Mississippi State University Foundation's fundraising team Nov. 1.
In her new role, the 2009 MSU communication graduate works with veteran fundraiser and fellow alumnus Jud Skelton, the college's director of development, on fundraising and alumni activities for the large--and one of the oldest--campus academic units. Her responsibilities also extend to the extension service, whose presence extends to all of the state's 82 counties.
"MSU Extension is pleased to have Dees Murphy to lead our development efforts," said Gary Jackson, extension service director. "We are excited about Dees serving as a major spokesperson for sharing Extension's development priorities and needs. She understands extension's unique educational mission and the clientele we serve as Mississippi State's lead outreach and engagement unit."
After receiving her bachelor's degree, Murphy began work with MSU's Division of Student Affairs as an admissions counselor for central and north Mississippi. Most recently, the Canton Academy graduate has been serving as admissions coordinator and recruiter for both the colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Forest Resources.
Earlier this year, she also earned an MSU master's degree in teaching and community college education, with an emphasis in marketing.
"Dees brings great experience to this position," said Jack McCarty, the foundation's executive director of development. "Her history with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, along with her previous work as an admissions counselor and recruiter, will serve her exceptionally well as she works with constituents on behalf of these two unique units of the university."
The college and extension service currently are pursuing donor support as part of the new university-wide effort titled "Infinite Impact: The Mississippi State University Campaign."
To date, the capital campaign has raised more than $350 million toward an overall $600 million goal. The campaign runs through 2018. Additional information on MSU fundraising is available at www.msufoundation.com.