Missouri Southern State University Announces Abi Almandinger as Director of Alumni and Donor Relations

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is pleased to announce that Abi Almandinger (’96) will join the University Advancement team as director of alumni and donor relations beginning November 3, 2025.

A proud MSSU alumna, Almandinger brings a diverse background spanning education, legal services, translating and interpreting, entrepreneurship, and leadership nonprofit and governmental organizations.

Most recently, she served as director of the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Carthage, overseeing operations for seven parks, the municipal pool, golf course, event venue, and Civil War Museum. During her tenure, she spearheaded more than $5 million in capital improvement projects, upgrading playground and restroom facilities and launching several new recreation programs for the community.

Previously, Almandinger served as executive director of Vision Carthage, a community revitalization organization focused on beautification and economic development. She led numerous projects in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Hearts and Hammers, and the City of Carthage to strengthen the city’s historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

Her community involvement includes service on several boards and committees, including Planning, Zoning and Historic Preservation; Carthage Historic Preservation; GRO Carthage, and Battle of Carthage, Inc. She has been recognized with the ATHENA Award for Civic Leadership and the Red Cross American Hero Award for her “Joplin’s Found Photos” project following the 2011 tornado. In 2022, she was named one of Joplin Magazine’s Women of Distinction.