The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science Foundation Board of Directors has named Keith Gaskin as the next executive director of the MSMS Foundation. Gaskin began his role with the organization on Aug. 3.
With 25 years of major gift fundraising experience, Gaskin has held leadership roles in advancement at Mississippi State University, The University of Alabama, and most recently the West Virginia University at Parkersburg among others.
“I am passionate about philanthropy and the importance of STEM education in the state of Mississippi. I look forward to assisting the school in securing the private funds needed to best serve our students,” Gaskin said.
During his career Gaskin has primarily focused his efforts in donor prospect building, developing long-range fundraising goals, cultivating and stewarding donors and closing principal gifts during comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
“We’re thrilled to have Dr. Gaskin join the MSMS Foundation as the Executive Director and excited to see what we can accomplish for MSMS and STEM education in Mississippi with his effort and guidance.” Cynthia Henderson, President of the MSMS Foundation Board said.
“It is an honor to be associated with one of the top STEM secondary schools in the nation which boasts the number one rated faculty in the country,” Gaskin added. “I have also been most impressed by the strong alumni support that MSMS has cultivated,” he said.
Gaskin holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Mississippi State University. He was named an Institutional Advancement Summer Fellow at Vanderbilt University, Peabody College of Education and has also completed leadership programs at Harvard and Rhodes College.
The MSMS Foundation is a 501 c3 that was established in 1989 to provide support for The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science outside of state funding. MSMS was established in 1988 to enhance the science and math education of students form across Mississippi and from all walks of life. The residential school located on the campus of Mississippi University for Women is unique among public schools in that it receives no funding from local tax revenues and all funding is through state allocation, grants, and support from the Foundation. More information about the MSMS Foundation go to www.msmsfoundation.com or call 662-243-0353.
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