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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Karen Meshad Baldwin has been named associate vice president for advancement at The University of Alabama, effective Feb. 15.

Baldwin has served as director of external affairs and development for the UA College of Engineering for the last 10 years.

“Karen Baldwin’s extensive experience in fundraising and marketing, along with her dedication to The University of Alabama as a graduate and long-time supporter, make her an outstanding fit for this position,” said Dr. Pam Parker, UA vice president for advancement.

In her new position, Baldwin will be responsible for creating a better understanding of the University’s missions, goals, values and accomplishments, and securing the financial and volunteer support needed to sustain and develop The University of Alabama. She will oversee UA’s major gifts, planned gift capital campaign, corporate and foundation fundraising, gift records and stewardship program.

“I am honored to serve The University of Alabama in this new capacity, and I look forward to working more closely with our excellent advancement team as we finish the ‘Our Students. Our Future.’ capital campaign,” Baldwin said.

Before joining UA, Baldwin spent 13 years with BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp., where she was twice selected to the President’s Club – the top 3 percent of the corporation’s 3,000 employees. Her positions with BellSouth included manager, advertising and publishing group strategic planning; manager, process innovation, and several marketing positions. She began her career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she served as director of marketing for the Special Studies program.

Baldwin earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in American studies at UA, and she is currently completing her doctorate in education administration, also at UA.

The “Our Students. Our Future.” campaign’s $500 million goal includes $250 million for student scholarships. The remaining funds are allocated to faculty support, facilities and priority needs. The campaign has raised more than $452 million and will conclude in June 2009.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.