The Missouri State University Foundation expanded its team of professionals with the recent hire of three new staff members. They bring a wide breadth of experience to their positions.
Greg Fansler is executive director of engagement and alumni relations; Michaela Bennett is director of development and Angela Frizell is strategic communications and content specialist.
Fansler earned his bachelor’s degrees in management and finance and his MBA from Virginia Tech. After a strong start to his career in finance and sales, he returned to Virginia Tech in 2007 to work at the Alumni Association and served in a variety of leadership roles in marketing, events, legislative advocacy, corporate partnerships and volunteer management. He comes to Missouri State with over a decade of experience as an accomplished leader in the alumni relations industry.
“Greg has exactly the strategic vision and attentive oversight we need to steer the office of engagement and alumni relations toward our overall mission,” said Brent Dunn, vice president of university advancement.
“I am thrilled to be joining Missouri State University and the advancement leadership team in this newly created role to serve Bear alumni worldwide and the Springfield community,” said Fansler. “I was attracted to MSU because of the recent growth the university has celebrated and to have the opportunity to build upon those successes. In my short amount of time here, it’s apparent to me the comradery, pride and sense of community our alumni, students and friends have for the institution is resolute. I look forward to working together with leadership and with our dedicated annual giving and alumni relations team to continue to provide meaningful experiences to connect alumni to the university and garner support for it.”
Bennett is a MSU alumna who moved with her family from Joplin, Missouri, to support the foundation in development.
“Since graduating from MSU, I’ve watched the growth and success of the foundation,” she explained. “Pairing that excitement with my passion for philanthropy, I look forward to helping make great memories possible for current and future students.”
An experienced fundraiser, Bennett has administrated large fundraising initiatives through the Children’s Miracle Network and Freeman Hospital.
Frizell will oversee communications for the foundation, including overall strategic communications, direction and planning. She brings a strong understanding of marketing and communications from a broad background in the field where she most recently served as marketing director for a Springfield-based property management company.
“There are so many exciting developments taking place at the foundation, and we need to let more people know about them. More importantly, we need to let them know how they can get involved in supporting Missouri State University,” said Frizell.
“The new staff is joining a strong, stable administration at an ideal time as the foundation continues to grow and progress forward,” said Dunn. “Greg, Michaela and Angela each bring leadership qualities and experience that will continue to propel the organization forward.”
About Missouri State University Foundation
Founded in 1981, Missouri State University Foundation seeks the participation of people with a significant interest in higher education and invites their support through private giving. The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3), not-for-profit corporation that encourages private financial support for Missouri State University and manages an endowment on behalf of the University. Those who make contributions to Missouri State University through the foundation are entitled to all tax benefits authorized by law.
About Missouri State Alumni Association
The Alumni Association is the organization through which Missouri State University students continue their connection with MSU when they leave the University. The Alumni Association is a non-dues paying organization, and all alumni are viewed as members. One of the main goals of the Alumni Association is to maintain current records of all alumni. Currently, the alumni population includes more than 130,000 graduates and former students.
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