Christian Barnes named Director of Development for the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology and the School of Nursing and Health Professions

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University has named Christian Barnes director of development for the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology (JCSET) and the School of Nursing and Health Professions (SONHP). In this role, Barnes will direct Murray State’s fundraising efforts toward major initiatives for these academic units and connect major donors who have a passion to contribute to these areas of the University with important projects that will impact Murray State students through philanthropy.

Barnes will continue to lead efforts for the University’s Town & Gown Community Partnership program into the spring 2024 semester, along with a co-lead for Town & Gown that will be announced in the coming days.

“Christian is a Racer champion through and through,” says Dr. Tina Bernot, executive director of development for Murray State. “His knowledge of the University, ability to cultivate and grow relationships, and his creative dedication to supporting our students and programs will make him successful as the next director of development for the JCSET and SONHP.”

Before entering this new role, Barnes served the Office of Development as the director of donor engagement and communications for the last five years. During that time, he led a strategic engagement program and a team that successfully inspired thousands of donors to give back more than $2 million in support for all areas of the University community.  He reinstated the advisory board of the Town & Gown program and led several successful events and initiatives as a part of that important collaborative work. Barnes created the marketing and branding for the University's Centennial capital campaign, Be Bold - Forever Blue & Gold. He holds two degrees from Murray State University; a 2018 Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication and a 2019 Master of Science in Human Development and Leadership.   

“I am incredibly excited and humbled by the confidence placed in me by the University and Office of Development to lead the fundraising efforts for both the JCSET and the SONHP,” said Barnes. “This new appointment is particularly special for me as my mom, a long-time nurse practitioner in Madisonville, Kentucky, was a proud graduate of Murray State’s then master’s in nursing practice program within the SONHP. I am elated to posthumously honor my mother in this way and will strive to create new opportunities for aspiring Racers to pursue their dreams at ‘The Finest Place We Know.’”

For the last 21 years, the development efforts for both the JCSET and the SONHP were led by Director of Development Jennie Rottinghaus. After a long and successful tenure at Murray State, Rottinghaus recently retired from the institution, paving the way for Barnes’ succession.

“I was so thrilled when I found out that Christian would be my successor,” said Rottinghaus. “His love for Murray State, warm personality, superior work ethic and creative talent will enable him to be a wonderful, successful director of development and I wish him the very best in this new role.”

The Office of Development builds relationships and generates resources that advance the mission of Murray 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 Murray State University please visit murraystate.edu/giving or call the Office of Development at 270-809-3001.