Office of Development

Michelle Mertz
Senior Director of Development

Michelle has worked in development since 1995 and joined the MSU College of Education development program in January 2001. Prior to joining the college, Michelle directed the fundraising program for the ATHENA Foundation.  

Michelle is originally from Rochester, MN but considers herself a true Spartan, having grown up in Okemos, Michigan and earning her bachelors degree in general business administration and master's in public administration both from Michigan State University.  

Michelle can be reached at 517.432.1983 or by email at mmertz@msu.edu

Julie Bird
Associate Director of Development

Julie has been with the College of Education since November of 2004. Her position focuses on annual giving including The Leadership Circle and other annual and special giving campaigns.

Prior to joining the college, Julie worked as an intern and development associate in the Marketing and Annual Giving programs for MSU University Development. Julie grew up in Davison, Michigan and received her bachelor's degree in communications from Michigan State University and her master's in higher, adult, and lifelong education also from Michigan State University.

Julie can be reached at 517.432.1983 or by email at birdjuli@msu.edu

Kathy Dimoff
Development Office Assistant

Kathy joined the College of Education development office in June 2011 as the Development Office Assistant. She provides valuable assistance to the efforts of the fund development staff.

She has a long history with Michigan State University, including eleven years with the College of Education's Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education Department where she worked extensively with prospective students and faculty handling graduate admissions. Prior to that, she worked with alumni and students as part of her duties in the College of Natural Science. Kathy has a wealth of experience and significant knowledge about the university and is a proud mother and wife of an MSU alumnus.

Kathy can be reached at 517.432.1983 or by email at dimoff@msu.edu