MOULTRIE — Colquitt County native Deidre Mercer Martin recently became the first gifts officer for Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) South Georgia.

“Deidre has been an integral part of the South Georgia community for many years,” said Necie Liggeons, Chief Development & Alumni Engagement Officer, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in a press release. “She knows the people and the culture. Her background in fundraising makes her the perfect fit for PCOM.”

Martin grew up on her family farm near Omega and graduated from Colquitt County High School. Her career includes 35 years in higher education with 19 years focused on fundraising and alumni relations.

“While I’m not sure that my plans were ever to come home to South Georgia, I have always told students that your career journey can be a winding path,” Martin said. “When my father passed away, we made the decision to move from South Carolina in 2015 to keep the farm in our family and to be near my mother. After a successful career at ABAC, I am ready for a new challenge, and PCOM South Georgia is an exciting opportunity to continue to do meaningful work. PCOM’s focus on meeting regional healthcare needs and on patient-centered care aligns with my values and my hopes for rural Georgia.”

The release stated Martin previously served as the chief advancement officer at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in Tifton since 2015. Before that she held various roles at the University of South Carolina Aiken for 27 years, including an adjunct faculty position in the department of communications and vice chancellor for university advancement.

“While I began my higher ed career in public relations/marketing, a mentor suggested that he felt I could also use my skills in fundraising,” she said. “I took his advice and found that I really loved it. Sharing the story of my institution with potential donors and connecting their desire to make a difference in the lives of college students is a wonderful experience.”

Martin said she values this experience because she sees the effect of her work.

“For me, higher ed fundraising is different from any other kind of fundraising because of the lasting impact of a college education,” she continued. “As a first-generation college student, I have witnessed first hand in my life and in the lives of others the tremendous positive influence that higher education can have — not only on individuals but also on their families. When someone gives to support higher education, they are making a lasting and significant contribution in the lives of others.”

Martin holds a bachelor of science degree with a double major in communications/public relations and home economics from Berry College in Rome, a master of arts in communication from Georgia State University in Atlanta, and a doctor of education in curriculum and instruction (Ed.D.) from the University of South Carolina, Columbia.

Now Martin looks forward to her role at PCOM South Georgia.

“The PCOM mission of meeting regional healthcare needs is incredibly important in our part of the state,” she said. “Educating medical students in South Georgia allows them to experience the challenges and joys of patients in rural areas. By supporting PCOM South Georgia, donors invest not only in a student’s education but in improving and strengthening the overall viability and quality of life for our rural communities.”