Tonya S. Frisbey became the MSU College of Education senior director of development on December 1. Frisbey will oversee the college’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations and guide the college's efforts for the university’s comprehensive campaign, Uncommon Will, Far Better World.
Frisbey has over 20 years of philanthropy and advancement experience, including nearly 10 years with MSU’s Honors College. She has also previously worked with the American Red Cross, Court-Appointed Special Advocates and Central Michigan University.
“We are excited to welcome Tonya Frisbey to our senior leadership team,” said Jerlando F. L. Jackson, dean and MSU Research Foundation Professor of Education. “Throughout her interview process, I was impressed with Tonya’s commitment to education and her transformative ways of thinking that produce real results. I am excited to work with her and her team to continue to imagine and improve education, health and well-being for everyone.”
A signature achievement of Frisbey’s Honors College tenure was her leadership in advancing the Campbell Hall renovation—an initiative she regarded as a defining opportunity to shape the future of the Honors College and create lasting impact for students. In partnership with the dean and university leaders, she inspired donor support that made possible the creation of a state-of-the-art living-learning environment for Honors students.
In addition, Frisbey expanded donor-funded seed support for the Honors Research Scholars program, a transdisciplinary undergraduate research opportunity she helped build in partnership with an assistant dean. Since 2016, the program has grown from just six students to more than 75 annually—engaging scholars across science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); social sciences; education and beyond, including many from the College of Education.
Other notable Honors College career notes include securing the two largest single-gift donations in the college’s history ($10 million and $3.5 million, respectively) and a $1.5 million commitment for MSU Debate, the largest gift in the team’s history.
Frisbey is also proud to have helped cultivate a strong “culture of philanthropy” within the Honors College, engaging leadership in meaningful donor relationships that strengthened scholarships and expanded programmatic support for students. She looks forward to bringing this same collaborative, donor-centered approach to the College of Education and helping advance its priorities throughout the university’s comprehensive campaign.
"What excites me most about this campaign is its bold, solutions-driven approach to the challenges shaping education today,” said Frisbey. “From strengthening teacher pipelines to advancing literacy, mental health and physical wellness, the College of Education is uniquely positioned to create the kind of systemic change that transforms learners and communities. I’m inspired by the opportunity to connect visionary donors to this work and impact education for generations to come."
Frisbey succeeds Danielle Matlick, who held the interim role for the college since June 2025.
Connect with the college’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations to discuss how your contribution can make an impact: educdev@msu.edu.
Giving Tuesday is December 2, 2025! Consider giving to the College of Education to make transformative change for our students.
Related news:
Read more on the Campbell Hall renovation from MSU Honors College student Sumaiya Binte Imad (MSUToday)