Richard Daniel - “A Bulldog Comes Home”
Richard Daniel
After a successful career in sales, Richard Daniel has returned home to Starkville and his alma mater, Mississippi State University.
In 2008, Richard joined the university as the new development officer for the Division of Student Affairs. He now leads the effort to secure private funds specifically for the division. Richard feels his previous experience, coupled with a deep appreciation of Mississippi State, will assist him immensely.
"Becoming a member of the fundraising team was simply a great fit for me since I wanted to get back to Starkville to be with my family. The position provides me with the opportunity to sell something that I am very passionate about – MSU," he shares.
A 1990 MSU business administration graduate, Richard was most recently the Memphis-area sales manager for the Gleason Technical Division of Baton Rouge, La.-based AWC Inc. He also has worked with Aventis Pharmaceuticals in New Jersey, Premix Inc. in Ohio and Emerson Electric Co. in Missouri.
In his new role, Richard works with the major university unit responsible for enrollment services, housing, financial aid, health services, student organizations, counseling, police, recreational sports, and other student service functions.
"Student Affairs is a unique area in which to raise funds," Richard says. "Many people don't realize that besides the individual colleges and schools the university needs funds for a number of areas and programs which enhance the overall MSU experience for all students," he explains.
The part of his job Richard finds most rewarding is visiting with prospects. "The people that I call on are extremely generous folks that care deeply about MSU and so far it has been a wonderful experience," he says.
A focus for the Division of Student Affairs revolves around securing unrestricted scholarships for MSU students. Gifts from former students are among the commitments Richard has been able to secure in his first few months on the job for this purpose.
"Gifts of this kind definitely set an example for other donors, allowing us to further "sell" them on the idea that Student Affairs also needs their assistance," he explains.
Alumni and friends may contact Richard via phone at 662.325.9129 or email him at rdaniel@foundation.msstate.edu.
