Gibbons Named MGA’s Executive Director of Advancement

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Friday, February 14, 2025 12:00 AM
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Macon, GA

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Barbara Gibbons is the new executive director of Advancement for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø's (MGA's) Office of University Advancement & Alumni Affairs.

Gibbons, previously director of Annual Giving, assumed the new role this month. She is responsible for directing annual fundraising and supporting overall philanthropic efforts of the University. Gibbons also serves as a strategic resource to the University Advancement office to develop planned giving/fundraising initiatives. She is building on her experience directing Annual Giving, during which she grew donations for MGA's athletics program by nearly 70 percent, secured sponsorships, and prepared grant applications. 

"I am excited for the new avenues this position opens to me to help MGA secure vital resources to support the University's mission and initiatives," she said. "Middle Georgia State changes lives and communities through our graduates and it's an honor to be part of the ecosystem that makes that possible."

The Office of University Advancement & Alumni Relations, through its non-profit Foundation, secures philanthropic support to help advance the strategic priorities of MGA. In collaboration with community leaders and alumni across the country and beyond, Advancement promotes a vibrant image of MGA through enhanced visibility and brand awareness by engaging these stakeholders in the ongoing life of the University.

Gibbons holds a B.A. in Humanities from College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn. Prior to joining MGA in 2023 as director of Annual Giving, she was executive director of the non-profit Random Tuesday, Inc., and held management roles at several Barnes & Noble bookstores.

An avid 5K/10K runner, Gibbons lives in Macon with her husband, Michael. They have two grown daughters.