McCarty named executive director of development
A veteran fundraiser and campus staff member is the Mississippi State University Foundation's new executive director of development.
Jack R. McCarty of Starkville officially begins his duties May 15. He is a Starkville Public Schools graduate who received an MSU agriculture degree in 1991.
Since 2007, he has led development efforts of the College of Business, one of the South's oldest programs of its kind. He has been responsible for all fundraising activities in the major academic unit, including its Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy.
In his new role, McCarty will steer fundraising efforts for "StatePride: An Initiative for Student and Faculty Support." Launched in 2009, the four-year effort recently surpassed its midway point toward a $100 million goal.
"Jack's extensive professional experience combined with his vast knowledge of Mississippi State will be strong assets as he works with university leadership and constituents to advance our university," said John P. Rush, vice president for development and alumni.
McCarty has more than 16 years of total experience in development, with 10 years specifically devoted to the MSU Foundation. He was involved in both of the land-grant institution's successful capital campaigns, "State of the Future: The Mississippi State Campaign" and "The Campaign for Mississippi State University: To Serve Mississippi -- and Beyond."
From 1994-2001, he was development director for various units in MSU's Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine. He left campus for a time to serve as director of development operations for Ducks Unlimited Inc., Southern Region.
In 2009, the Oktibbeha County native was honored as a "Top 40 Under 40" by the Mississippi Business Journal. The awards program recognizes Mississippians who have established themselves as business and community leaders before the age of 40.
In addition to MSU and Ducks Unlimited, McCarty has been active in the Oktibbeha County Rose Society, Friends of Noxubee Refuge and Starkville Quarterback Club. He currently serves as a board of trustee member for the Starkville Public Library.
His appreciation of the university, its history and missions are due, in large measure, to his late father, Robert H. McCarty. Also an MSU graduate, the senior McCarty served as state entomologist, among other major administrative positions.
Established in 1962 to help attract support from private sources, the MSU Foundation now administers most campus fundraising activities and endowment funds. Its current endowment stands at approximately $300 million.
For the past two fiscal years, the organization has raised in excess of $60 million from individual donors, corporations and foundations.
For more on McCarty's appointment or work of the MSU Foundation, contact Rush at 662-325-9306 or rush@devalumni.msstate.edu.
Harriet Laird | University Relations
