լƵ

լƵ State University names Christian Barnes Director of Donor Engagement and Communications

By Alex Pologruto | Jul 1, 2022

Christian Barnes

լƵ State University has named Christian Barnes director of donor engagement and communications

MURRAY, Ky. — լƵ State University has named Christian Barnes director of donor engagement and communications. In this role, Barnes will serve as the institution’s chief donor engagement and stewardship officer, directing all areas of annual giving, including the newly established “Leadership Circle” 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.

“Christian is passionate about serving our Racer family through special events and fundraising campaigns,” said Dr. Tina Bernot, Executive Director of Development. “We 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 լƵ State.” 

Barnes first joined the լƵ 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 “Racers Give,” the University’s most successful needs-based scholarship campaign. Under Barnes’ leadership, the annual giving program has almost doubled in size through generous gifts for the benefit of լƵ State and its students. Mr. Barnes holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication, ‘18, and a master’s degree in Human Development and Leadership, ‘19,nb both from լƵ State University. 

“I am incredibly humbled by the confidence placed in me by the Office of Development and other University leadership,” said Barnes. “լƵ State’s 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.”

The Office of Development builds relationships and generates resources that advance the mission of լƵ State University 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’s strategic planning process. 

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

Take the next step

© լƵ State University Department of Web ManagementWe are Racers.