Contact: Amy Cagle
STARKVILLE, Miss.—A Mississippi State alumnus and Starkville resident will lead the university’s efforts to secure private gifts through charitable estate planning. Wes Gordon, originally of Columbus, began his new role this week [May 2] as the MSU Foundation’s new director of planned giving.
“Wes brings an outstanding level of experience in fundraising and a strong work ethic to this critically important position of planned giving director,” said Jack McCarty, executive director of development for the MSU Foundation. “He will be a great asset to our alumni and friends as they explore the opportunity of making deferred gifts in ways that will prove beneficial for their future financial goals.”
Gordon earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education and a Master of Science in sport administration from MSU in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Since 2010, he has served the university’s Division of Students Affairs as director of development. In this role, Gordon crossed paths with many academic and athletic areas as he connected alumni and friends with tailored giving opportunities to help them maintain an active association with their alma mater.
“A planned gift is one of the most thoughtful gifts an individual can make, and the benefits of these gifts enable donors to impact their lives, their futures, and in some instances future generations of their families,” said Gordon. “Additionally, these gifts often resonate a great impact for the students, faculty and programs of MSU.”
Prior to joining Mississippi State, Gordon was director of development for the University of West Alabama based in Livingston, Alabama. There, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the institution’s UWA Foundation, managed a sizeable donor portfolio for outright and planned gifts, and implemented the university’s first comprehensive capital campaign.
At Mississippi State, Gordon will play a primary role in furthering the university’s Infinite Impact Campaign. The university recently announced pursuit of a new campaign goal of $1 billion by 2020. The campaign surpassed an initial $600 million goal earlier this year and currently stands in excess of $620 million.
Gordon can be reached at wgordon@foundation.msstate.edu or (662) 325-3707. He will be housed in the Hunter Henry Center, home of the Division of Development and Alumni, on the MSU campus.
A complete list of Mississippi State’s fundraisers is available at www.msufoundation.com.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.