Cara Milligan Named Senior Development Director for College of Geosciences

Apr 23, 2015

New senior director for development brings a range of fundraising experience to the College of Geosciences.

Cara Milligan ’08 joined the College of Geosciences March 1 as senior director of development. She will be responsible for providing donor relations in support of major gift donors to achieve the fundraising goals for the college. Milligan joined the A&M Foundation in July 2010 and previously served as director of development in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and assistant director of development with Mays Business School.

As a fundraiser for Texas A&M, Milligan has raised nearly $20 million in pledges and commitments, including gifts ranging from six to eight figures. She has contributed to the success of several large fundraising projects such as the Texas A&M Gardens and Greenway, the Nontraditional Student Success Program, and the Business Honors Program.

“I am extremely excited to be a part of the Geosciences team and I am ready to accept the challenge of significantly increasing our major gift fundraising success,” said Milligan.

“I look forward to working with Cara in reaching the College of Geosciences’ development goals, especially as we enter a capital campaign,” said Kate Miller, dean. “Cara brings the fundraising experience, organizational skills and ability to mentor our faculty and staff that this college needs.”

Cattle, clays and camping

Before joining the Texas A&M Foundation, Milligan was operations manager for Kallion Farms, a local business that specializes in sugar cane and cotton production as well as Brahman cattle breeding. Milligan helped increase production and organization in all operations, developed marketing and collateral communications materials, and spearheaded the campaign that led to the registration of more Brahman cattle than any other breeder in the Brahman association nationwide.

Milligan is a passionate equestrian and has been riding since childhood. She is an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoys hiking, camping, fishing and visiting Texas state as well as national parks. “It is on my bucket to see all 58 of our national parks,” says Milligan. She also spends her free time shooting sporting clays and hitting golf balls at the driving range.

Milligan received her bachelor’s of science degree in animal science from Texas A&M with a minor in business. She also has a certificate in non-profit management from the Bush School of Government and Public Service and is continuing her education by pursuing a master's degree in public administration.

By Karen Riedel