August 24, 2006

06-102

Charles Harmon
Director of University Relations

Sementha Mathews
Manager of Public Information
and Media Relations

Edtwon A. Myree
Student Assistant

Additional Investment in VSU's Future

Kerry Morris recently joined Valdosta State University as its first-ever Director of Corporate/Foundation Relations, a new unit of the University's recently created Development department.

Private gifts play an increasingly larger role in the University's annual budgets. The Development department seeks private gifts in support of the University's various teaching, research, and public service missions. Development is a key component of the University's external affairs or "Advancement" division.

In his new position, Morris will seek major gifts in support of campus-wide strategic goals via complex written proposals to corporations, corporate foundations, and private foundations. The addition of this professional position is a critical next step in preparing the University for a multi-year, multi-million dollar, comprehensive capital campaign. Morris is a member of the Georgia Education Advancement Council (GEAC), the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Morris was the Director of Development for the Georgia Christian School for the past five years, during which time he earned the professional designation of "Certified Grant Specialist" by completing courses designed to enhance gift, grant, and proposal writing.

For more information, contact Morris in the Corporate/Foundation Relations unit at 229-245-3828.