A Ball State alumnus with a strong background in university development and communications has been named the university's executive director of development following a national search.

Charles "Chip" Jaggers has served as Ball State's associate executive director of development since 1999 and took on the additional duties of interim executive director in March 2003. His appointment to executive director is effective immediately.

"It is an honor to accept a leadership position at Ball State because of the impact this university has had on my life," said Jaggers, who earned master's and doctorate degrees from Ball State in 1972 and 1985, respectively.

"My perspective on working in development is that it allows me to serve the university, to give something back to my alma mater, and to make a difference that results in a brighter future for the university, its people and its programs."

Jaggers came to Ball State from Taylor University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1969 and served in three vice presidential positions, as well as senior vice president for the William Taylor Foundation. 

He served as Ball State's director of university communications from 1996 to 1999, when he moved to development. During his tenure as interim executive director, Ball State experienced its two best years for private giving, with $23.8 million in 2003 and $41.3 million in 2004.

"In the past two years Chip has demonstrated his ability to increase private support for the university, and he is a great choice to lead our development efforts," said Don Park, vice president for university advancement. "In addition, the numbers of overall benefactors and alumni benefactors are increasing, and that's a tribute to the efforts of Chip and the development staff."

Jaggers has also been instrumental in "Drive to Distinction: The Ball State Stadium Campaign," which has raised $10.3 million of its $12 million goal and will fund the expansion and renovation of the university's football stadium.

"We have made excellent progress in recent years, and there are many reasons to have great expectations for the future," Jaggers said. "First and foremost is the spirit of the Ball State community, with so many wonderful people working together for the good of the university. It's exciting to be a part of that."

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact Jaggers at (765) 285-9031 or cjaggers@bsu.edu. Park can be reached at (765) 285-1633 or dpark@bsu.edu. For a print-quality photograph of Jaggers, contact Ball State Photo Services at (765) 285-1572.)