Gwendolyn Caples was named the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement in June 2016. She manages day-to-day operations for the division. Since 2003, Caples has worked solely in the Division of Institutional Advancement in several positions, including events coordinator, director of Alumni and Constituency Relations, and director of the JSU Welcome Center.
Prior to her employment at Jackson State, she worked as public relations director at Mississippi Public Broadcasting for 11 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from JSU and a master’s degree in mass communications from Mississippi College.
Caples continues to manage the JSU Welcome Center and also provides oversight to Alumni and Constituency Relations, Development and University Events.
AVP Caples has received many awards and recognitions throughout her career, including an award from the JSU National Alumni Association for chairing the Biennial Conference, the “Hero Award” from the Jackson Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and the Thurgood Marshall Award for Excellence in Alumni Affairs. She was also honored as one of “50 Leading Business Women in Mississippi” by the Mississippi Business Journal and has received the “One JSU Excellence Award” from Jackson State University.