Sam Duncan, Ed.D., has been named Senior Development Officer for the SoutheastHEALTH Foundation. Duncan most recently served as director of Development and Constituents at Southeast Missouri State University.
In his new role, Dr. Duncan will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive development program for both short-term and long-range giving. The Foundation is charged with providing oversight of fundraising projects and managing allocation of Foundation funds to further enhance healthcare services at SoutheastHEALTH. Dr. Duncan said he is “pleased to be a part of the Foundation” and looks forward to having the opportunity to serve southeast Missouri in this new capacity.
Foundation Executive Director Mary Burton-Hitt, CFRE, said, “Sam is a stellar individual and a perfect fit for our organization. His personality embodies ‘the difference is how you’re treated.’”
Dr. Duncan’s distinguished career includes service as director of state and federal programs for the Jackson R-2 School District and Jackson Middle School assistant principal. He also previously worked in the New Madrid, Mo., School District. He continues pursuing his passion for teaching as an adjunct professor at Southeast Missouri State University.
Dr. Duncan’s work at the university produced numerous endowed scholarships and several research/teaching laboratories for students in the College of Education; College of Health and Human Services; School of Polytechnic Studies; College of Science, Technology and Agriculture; and the university’s regional campuses.
Within the community, Dr. Duncan played a key role in the development of the Jackson School Foundation and the Jackson Soccer Park, as well as the acquisition of grants supporting reading instruction and technology tools in elementary school classrooms. Over the past 20 years, he has served on numerous boards including Rotary, KRCU Radio, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, United Way, Cape County Drug-Free Task Force and the Missouri State Local Records Board.
Dr. Duncan and his wife Melanie reside in Jackson and are the parents of three children.