By Brian Delaney

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Development Office has hired Caroline Haynes as the new director of development for the College of Education.

A 2021 graduate of MTSU, Haynes earned her Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness with a minor in Secondary Education and later completed a Master of Public Service Management from Cumberland University.

Haynes returns to MTSU with a strong background in alumni relations and development. She most recently served as the Alumni Relations Coordinator at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, where she led efforts to strengthen alumni engagement and giving.

During her tenure at Cumberland, Haynes launched and advised the Student Alumni Ambassador Program to connect alumni and friends with students on campus and played a key role in increasing alumni giving by over 70%. In addition to her advancement work, she also served as an adjunct instructor.

During her time as an undergraduate at MTSU, Haynes was a campus leader, serving as the 2020 Homecoming Director and a Blue Elite tour guide. She was also engaged in student organizations both within the School of Agriculture and across the broader campus community.

In her new role, Haynes will lead fundraising efforts and build alumni and donor relationships in support of the college’s mission to prepare and inspire educators.

“We’re excited to welcome Caroline back to MTSU,” said Mark Clark, executive director of development. “She brings a high level of professionalism, sharp attention to detail, and a deep passion for serving the university.”

Neporcha Cone, dean of the College of Education, shared her excitement in welcoming Haynes to the team: “Caroline’s experience and enthusiasm for cultivating meaningful partnerships will be instrumental as we advance our strategic priorities, including student support, workforce development, and innovative programming. We look forward to the energy and insight she brings to this role, which will help connect our vision with the philanthropic community and deepen our collective impact.”

For Haynes, returning to MTSU is both personal and purposeful.

“I’ve experienced firsthand the profound impact MTSU and the College of Education have on the lives of students. I’m honored and excited to support the college’s mission to prepare the next generation of teachers, counselors, librarians, leaders and other professionals who shape and strengthen our communities,” Haynes said.

As a proud graduate of one of the college’s educator preparation programs, Haynes is eager to connect with fellow graduates.

“I look forward to getting to know alumni and friends of the college and working with them to connect their passions and interests to meaningful opportunities that empower both current and future Blue Raiders,” she said.

Anyone wanting to connect with Caroline Haynes to discuss opportunities with the College of Education, can reach her via email her at Caroline.Haynes@mtsu.edu.

To learn more about supporting the College of Education, visit www.mtsu.edu/development. Learn more about the College of Education at mtsu.edu/education.

—  Brian Delaney (Brian.Delaney@mtsu.edu)