Jackson, Mississippi – Jackson State University (JSU) Acting President Elayne Hayes-Anthony, Ph.D., has appointed Gwendolyn Caples as interim vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the JSU Development Foundation, Inc.
“Gwendolyn Caples’ exceptional expertise as a successful fundraiser and relationship-builder will be a vital asset to the administration of Jackson State University,” stated Hayes-Anthony. “I eagerly anticipate collaborating with her to advance our strategic plan, fortify our financial foundation, and bolster our unwavering commitment to student success.”
Caples returns to her alma mater after serving the institution for 19 years in various leadership roles.
“I am truly delighted to return to JSU to serve as the interim vice president of Institutional Advancement. I’m also grateful to President Anthony for giving me the opportunity to work with her, the JSU Development Foundation, Inc., and my team to support students, faculty, and staff and advance the goals of the strategic plan. Our objective is to continue our collaborative efforts to increase corporate donations and alumni giving while sharing the good news about JSU’s impressive academic, research, and athletic programs,” says Caples.
Caples is responsible for providing managerial oversight to a centralized development team, which includes major giving, scholarships, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, annual giving, alumni relations, donor relations, events, and community outreach.
Caples previously served as JSU’s interim VP of Institutional Advancement in 2021-22. Prior to that, she served as assistant vice president of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs, where she led efforts to foster alumni and constituent relationships and actively raised funds to support the university’s mission and initiatives. In addition to fundraising responsibilities, she served as the liaison for the Women’s Council for Philanthropy, promoting engagement and support from this vital group of supporters. Her contributions extended to coordinating various special events, which served as opportunities to celebrate JSU donors and strengthen the university’s community ties.
Caples graduated from JSU with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She earned her master’s degree in mass communications from Mississippi College. She is the recipient of several awards, including the Thurgood Marshall Award for Excellence in Alumni Affairs (2009), the Mississippi Business Journal’s 50 Leading Business Women of Mississippi (2010), the One JSU Excellence Award (2014), and the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau Hero Award (2007), to name a few.