Kirkham Named Executive Senior Associate AD of Development
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State Athletics and University Advancement announced the appointment of Jacob Kirkham as Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director of Development. In this role, Kirkham will lead fundraising for MSU Athletics and Spartan Fund initiatives while overseeing Spartan Fund staff. Kirkham’s first day will be March 6, 2023.
“We are pleased to add Jacob Kirkham to our leadership team within MSU Athletics and as a key contributor to University Advancement,” said Alan Haller, Michigan State vice president and director of athletics. “As a proven fundraiser, we will leverage his expertise to amplify our fundraising efforts to improve the student and athlete experience.
“Our vision for the future of MSU Athletics, our teams and our student-athletes knows no bounds. Partnering with our passionate and transformative supporters who share our goals for academic achievement, competitive success and the development of a holistic student-athlete experience will be critical to driving excellence.”
“Athletics is often viewed as the gateway to the university and endears many Spartans to the great things that are happening at our world-class institution,” said Kim Tobin, Michigan State vice president of advancement. “We look forward to Jacob joining our team and driving the impact of Spartan through a dedicated partnership with our generous donors.”
Kirkham spent the last six years as Associate Athletic Director & Executive Director of Major Gifts/Sr. Director of Development at the Oregon State University Foundation, leading a team of professionals focused on major gifts, events and donor relations in support of Oregon State University focused athletics.
Kirkham has extensive track and field fundraising experience and was part of the team at OSU that raised more than $92 million in support of Completing Reser Stadium – the most transformative project in OSU history. The 365-day facility included a football stadium extension, a student welcome center and a student health clinic. During his tenure at OSU, Kirkham played a significant role in the master plan for OSU athletic facilities and the creation of several key initiatives including the Terry Baker Society, Forever Beavs, OSU Football Head Coach’s Circle and FEARLESS – Women of Oregon State Athletics. Kirkham has a deep understanding of university progression and all aspects of fundraising and is personally involved in intercollegiate athletics.
Prior to Oregon State, Kirkham spent nearly three years as a Major Gift Officer for West Virginia University Athletics and Mountaineer Athletic Club. Prior to WVU, Kirkham served three years at the University of Utah as a Regional Development Officer.
Kirkham earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Utah and his master’s degree in sports administration from Ohio University.
His family includes his wife Whitney and their four children (Cassity, twins Charlie and Walt and Quinn).
