As part of its preparation for the 50th anniversary celebration in 2016, Bellevue College named Gayle Barge as its vice president of institutional advancement last week.

Barge, who’s spent more than a decade in higher education serving in marketing, communications and public affairs, will supervise all of the college’s fundraising, marketing, and communications outreach. She’s set to start her new position Nov. 17, after previously working as the director of university public relations at Ohio’s Central State University.

“I’m thrilled to join the Bellevue College family and be part of the exceptional faculty and staff who work at BC,” Barge said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know this incredible campus and its community.”

For years, Barge has worked as an expert on topics related to African American women and balancing work and life situations. Next March, Barge is salted to present research findings at the Oxford Women’s Leadership Symposium in Oxford, England.

Bellevue College President David Rule said Barge’s experience, education, and dedication to general equality, made her an ideal candidate. After earning her doctorate in education from Pepperdine University in organizational change, Barge worked in public affairs leadership positions in both the public and private sectors, which added to her appeal as the right person for the job, he said.

As the college turns 50 in 2016, it’s important to continue to be looking forward at opportunities to better serve the students, staff and the surrounding area, Rule said.

“[Barge] brings a great resume of diverse experience, a creative mind, and an optimistic perspective to Bellevue College leadership,” he said.