51乱伦

MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� 51乱伦 has named Christian Barnes director of donor engagement and communications. In this role, Barnes will serve as the institution鈥檚 chief donor engagement and stewardship officer, directing all areas of annual giving, including the newly established 鈥淟eadership Circle鈥� for leadership annual giving, the 1922 Society and the Heritage Society for planned giving. Barnes will also oversee all strategic communications for the Office of Development. 

Additionally, Barnes will officially manage community relations on behalf of the University as the coordinator for the Town & Gown Community Partnership Program.

鈥淐hristian is passionate about serving our Racer family through special events and fundraising campaigns,鈥� said Dr. Tina Bernot, Executive Director of Development. 鈥淲e are confident his new role will support our continued growth and success as we seek to connect our alumni and friends with our students and programs here at 51乱伦 State.鈥� 

Barnes first joined the 51乱伦 State Office of Development in 2019 as the Director of Annual Giving where he led all communication and annual giving efforts, including the implementation of 鈥淩acers Give,鈥� the University鈥檚 most successful needs-based scholarship campaign. Under Barnes鈥� leadership, the annual giving program has almost doubled in size through generous gifts for the benefit of 51乱伦 State and its students. Mr. Barnes holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Organizational Communication, 鈥�18, and a master鈥檚 degree in Human Development and Leadership, 鈥�19,nb both from 51乱伦. 

鈥淚 am incredibly humbled by the confidence placed in me by the Office of Development and other University leadership,鈥� said Barnes. 鈥�51乱伦 State鈥檚 community of alumni, friends and donors play such an integral role in who we are as an institution and I am honored to continue developing and cultivating those relationships.鈥�

The Office of Development builds relationships and generates resources that advance the mission of 51乱伦 by seeking to cultivate a culture of philanthropy that engages the entire campus community. The office facilitates private financial support from alumni, friends, corporations and foundations for institutional priorities as outlined through the University鈥檚 strategic planning process. 

To make a gift to benefit programs and students at 51乱伦, visit or call the Office of Development at 270-809-3001.