Get to know your Development Officers: Bagley College of Engineering

Bennett Evans, a thirdgeneration MSU alumnus and Columbus native, holds a 1989 bachelor’s degree in political science and a 1991 master’s degree in public policy and administration. He worked for eight years with the Boy Scouts organization, where he found his passion for fundraising. Wanting to put his passion to work in a more meaningful way at his alma mater, he joined the MSU Foundation in 2002 as a fundraiser for the College of Architecture, Art and Design. Bennett later transitioned to the development position for the Bagley College, where he serves as senior director of development. This November will mark his 20th anniversary working for the Foundation. In his free time, Bennett enjoys wildlife photography, watching movies and exercising. He and his wife Heather have two daughters, Adaline and Caitlin.

Paul Zimmerman is a 2000 MSU business graduate with a degree in business administration. Hailing from a family of Bulldogs, Paul’s parents and brother are also proud MSU alumni. The Starkville native’s grandparents dedicated their careers to the university, from which they retired, and his children, Sarah Bailey and Henry, are current students. Prior to joining the MSU Foundation in 2011, Paul worked in sales for Flexsteel Industries. He is an avid MSU baseball fan who has many fond memories cheering on the Diamond Dawgs from Left Field Lounge and is proud to serve his alma mater as assistant director of development for the Bagley College.

Jordan Smith is a 2019 MSU business graduate and second-generation Bulldog from Saltillo. As a student, he interned with the university’s athletic department in the areas of communication broadcasting and football recruiting. He also served as a broadcaster for Starkville High School’s football program from 2017-2018. After graduation, Jordan worked as a recruiter for Itawamba Community College. He returned to MSU to assume his current role as assistant director of development for the Bagley College last year. Jordan also recently completed the Master of Education in Student Affairs in Higher Education degree program through the University of West Alabama. He enjoys playing golf, being outdoors and cheering on the Dawgs with his wife, Farris.

Q&A

Favorite Movie?

Bennett: Shawshank Redemption

Paul: Any movie by the Coen Brothers

Jordan: Top Gun—the old one, not the new one

What do you usually listen to on the way to work or when traveling?

Bennett: Spotify music and podcasts. I really like Conan O’ Brien Needs a Friend—funny stuff!

Paul: Jason Isbell, Turnpike Troubadours and Tedeschi Trucks Band are probably at the top of my Spotify playlist. A couple good podcast for the road are Broken Record and Revisionist History.

Jordan: I am a big podcast guy—everything from outdoor shows to MSU and SEC athletics.

Favorite place on campus?

Bennett: Our development office in McCain—it’s a favorite hangout for our dean. We all can tell some good stories and get some work done.

Paul: South Farm at sunrise on a Saturday morning on my bike.

Jordan: The Left Field Lounge at Dudy Noble. In my opinion there is no better venue in all collegiate athletics.

Tell me something you admire about the college you fundraise for?

Bennett: There are so many cutting-edge technologies and programs within the Bagley College that are moving the needle in a positive way, and each offers a unique investment opportunity for our donors to make a significant impact.

Paul: It’s impressive to me how hard the students work for their degrees, especially the ones involved in extracurricular activities, and how much it means to them. A lot of the students receive scholarship support and are happy to reciprocate that support after graduation.

Jordan: I enjoy getting to visit with people from so many different careers and career paths. With eight different departments, the Bagley College of Engineering is very well rounded. No two days are the same for me. And as someone who has experience in recruiting, I understand just how life changing private gifts can be for our students.