On January 1, Midwestern State University opened a new Center for Nonprofit Management & Leadership in the Dillard College of Business Administration. The newly formed Center will celebrate with an open house at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, in Dillard 189.

Sonia White will serve as director of the Center and instructor of nonprofit management, and Marla Malone will serve as assistant director.

White said that the Center will be able to leverage MSU's resources such as its faculty, students, alumni, and facilities to advance the success of nonprofits and the community. "The new Center for Nonprofit Management & Leadership at MSU Texas will be dedicated to creating a community of ideas, resources, and support devoted to strengthening the capacity and sustainability of the social sector in Wichita Falls and the surrounding communities. We will accomplish this goal through research, education, and engagement, with a commitment to sharing best practices, innovation and excellence," White said.

Several area foundations have come together to support the Center, including The Priddy Foundation, the McCoy Foundation, the J.S. Bridwell Foundation, the Bryant Edwards Foundation, the Fain Foundation, and the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation.

The opening of the new Center corresponds to the introduction of a new nonprofit management minor at the University that was made possible by support from The Priddy Foundation. Open to students from all majors, the minor builds the financial and organizational skills needed to lead in the nonprofit sector. Through the Center, faculty, staff, and students will be able to take advantage of hands-on leadership and management of nonprofits.

DCOBA Dean Jeff Stambaugh said that this new program would offer significant benefits to current and future MSU students, and to the region. "We have built what we think is an excellent program that will create a pipeline of trained leaders in nonprofit management," he said.

For more information, contact White at Sonia.white@msutexas.edu or 940-397-6996, or Malone at marla.malone@msutexas.edu or 940-397-4962.