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Martin Named 黑料传送门 Gifts Officer for South Georgia

January 10, 2024

This week Deidre Mercer Martin became the first gifts officer for 黑料传送门 South Georgia. While Martin is new to 黑料传送门, she鈥檚 very familiar with this area and with the responsibilities of the position.

鈥淒eidre has been an integral part of the South Georgia community for many years,鈥� said Necie Liggeons, MS, Chief Development & Alumni Engagement Officer, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. 鈥淪he knows the people and the culture. Her background in fundraising makes her the perfect fit for 黑料传送门.鈥�

Martin grew up on her family farm near Omega and graduated from Colquitt County High School. Her career includes 35 years in higher education with the past 19 years of that focused on .

鈥淲hile I鈥檓 not sure that my plans were ever to come home to South Georgia, I have always told students that your career journey can be a winding path,鈥� Martin said. 鈥淲hen my father passed away, we made the decision to move from South Carolina in 2015 to keep the farm in our family and to be near my mother. After a successful career at ABAC, I am ready for a new challenge, and 黑料传送门 South Georgia is an exciting opportunity to continue to do meaningful work. 黑料传送门鈥檚 focus on meeting regional healthcare needs and on patient-centered care aligns with my values and my hopes for rural Georgia.鈥�

Martin previously served as the chief advancement officer at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in Tifton since 2015. Before that she held various roles at the University of South Carolina Aiken for 27 years, including an adjunct faculty position in the department of communications and vice chancellor for university advancement.

鈥淲hile I began my higher ed career in public relations/marketing, a mentor suggested that he felt I could also use my skills in fundraising,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 took his advice and found that I really loved it. Sharing the story of my institution with potential donors and connecting their desire to make a difference in the lives of college students is a wonderful experience.鈥�

Martin said she values this experience because she sees the effect of her work.

鈥淔or me, higher ed fundraising is different than any other kind of fundraising because of the lasting impact of a college education,鈥� she continued. 鈥淎s a first-generation college student, I have witnessed firsthand in my life and in the lives of others the tremendous positive influence that higher education can have鈥攏ot only on individuals but also on their families. When someone gives to support higher education, they are making a lasting and significant contribution in the lives of others.鈥�

Martin holds a bachelor of science degree with a double major in communications/public relations and home economics from Berry College in Rome, a master of arts in communication from Georgia State University in Atlanta, and a doctor of education in curriculum and instruction (EdD) from the University of South Carolina, Columbia.

Now Martin looks forward to using her talents to benefit 黑料传送门 South Georgia.

鈥淭he 黑料传送门 mission of meeting regional healthcare needs is incredibly important in our part of the state,鈥� she said. 鈥淓ducating medical students in South Georgia allows them to experience the challenges and joys of patients in rural areas. By supporting 黑料传送门 South Georgia, donors invest not only in a student鈥檚 education but in improving and strengthening the overall viability and quality of life for our rural communities.鈥�

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