Donald Smith appointed School of AREAS Director of Development

Donald Smith appointed School of AREAS Director of Development

The Alcorn State University School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences appointed Donald “Don” Smith as new director of development on Feb. 1.

In his capacity, Smith will mainly focus on fundraising activities for AREAS. His duties will include identifying prospects, initiating contacts and developing a relationship and strategy to engage potential donors and friends to solicit their participation and fiscal investment in the School. Smith will work collaboratively with the Division of Institutional Advancement, university representatives and volunteers to increase support for university-wide priorities.

“I am excited to be given an official opportunity to reciprocate the educational training and support I received as a student at Alcorn State University. It is hard to overestimate Alcorn’s role in laying a foundation upon which success is built. I look forward to being a member of a team that is working so diligently to enhance the lives of other people,” Smith stated.

His educational background includes attaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural economics (1980 and 1990) at Alcorn State University.

Upon graduating from Alcorn, Smith spent nearly three decades working for the Mississippi State University Extension Services, where he began as an extension 4-H youth Agent in 1980 and retired as the southwest district program director after a fruitful career. Following retirement, Smith worked as program manager for the City of Natchez Youth Build Program, member of management at Natchez Tractor Supply Store and is a business co-owner.

Throughout his career, Smith received several awards and recognitions including National Distinguished Service Awards by the National Association of Agricultural County Agents, Natchez Chapter Alcornite of the Year in 1995 and the Natchez Top 10 Citizens of the Year award in 2006.

Donald “Don” Smith is housed in the Extension and Research Complex, room 100-J, and can be reached at (601) 877-6137.