Michelle McBride - “A Bulldog Beginning”
Michelle McBride
Since joining Mississippi State University in late 2009, Michelle McBride has been busy as the new associate athletic director for development.
In her new role, McBride solicits gifts in support of the university's major athletic projects. Her position serves as a liaison between the MSU Foundation and the athletic department.
"My duty is to enhance communication and opportunities between the MSU Foundation and the MSU Athletic Department," McBride said. "I report to the Foundation as the other academic college development officers do, but my office is in athletics where I also report as part of their staff."
Although not a native of the South, McBride has already settled into life in the Starkville-MSU community.
"There is an amazing tradition and history here, coupled with a major focus on growth and achievement," McBride said. "You don't find that everywhere. From athletics to academics, it's university wide and I'm glad to be a part of it as I share the enthusiasm with alumni and friends," she added.
A native of Centerville, Ohio, McBride holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Cincinnati. It was during her time as a graduate student at the institution that McBride realized her interest in athletics and fundraising.
When she finished graduate school, she accepted a full-time position in the development office at Cincinnati. She served as the assistant athletic director for development, with the experience culminating in a major gifts campaign for facilities, and later as the director of development for the Barrett Cancer Center. Before joining MSU, she was assistant athletic director for the Aztec Athletic Foundation at San Diego State University.
Living in Ohio and California, one might wonder how McBride became interested in a job at Mississippi State.
"I actually grew up in a smaller community in Ohio," McBride explained. "When I learned about the job at MSU, I not only felt comfort in the sense of community, but could relate to the vision for growing major gifts in Athletics."
McBride is already fond of the South and Mississippi State, citing the hospitality and kindness of the people and the university's sense of community and family among her appreciations. She also loves how the university embraces old traditions while striving for newness.
McBride looks forward to working with alumni and friends who share her enthusiasm for all things Mississippi State. Her office is located in the Bryan Athletic Administration Building, and she can be reached at 662.325.6312 or mmcbride@athletics.msstate.edu.
