The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) awarded the prestigious Rodney H. Adams Endowment Management Award to Libby George, director of investments, in the department Foundations Accounting & Investments, to recognize her outstanding contribution to the university’s $1.35 billion endowment, expertise in the field of endowment management and commitment to mentoring students at NC State University.
“Each year, NACUBO selects only one recipient for this honor, placing Libby and NC State in an elite circle within the higher-ed investment community”, said Mary Peloquin-Dodd, interim vice chancellor, Finance and Administration, who supervises George and nominated her for the award.
George directs the investment operations of nearly all of the university’s endowment funds. University endowments provide substantial financial support for student scholarships and fellowships, faculty research, professorships and chairs. George’s work to develop the Socially Responsible Investment portfolio, notable for its sustainability focus and excellent market performance, was one of the professional accomplishments highlighted by NACUBO.
During her 27 year career at NC State, George sought opportunities to strengthen investment expertise and best practices across the university. Establishing “Endowment University”, a full-day education conference for NC State’s endowment board members, advising a student investment club on operational protocol, and working one-on-one with University development officers are examples of George’s ability to spot and address knowledge gaps, according to Peloquin-Dodd.
George’s passion for investing prompted her to get involved with the Poole College of Management, to provide real-world investment experience for MBA students. “Libby is devoted to both the financial well-being of NC State and the University’s endowment, but also to helping us achieve our goals of developing the next generation of leaders in the investment industry,” said Richard S. Warr, professor of finance and one of George’s colleagues at Poole.
“Libby is devoted to… helping us achieve our goals of developing the next generation of leaders in the investment industry.”
Richard S. Warr, Professor of Finance
George partners with Poole faculty to create curriculum reflecting current investment strategies and trends, coaches students on investment proposals and presentations to endowment boards, and hires student interns. “Have you learned anything?” is George’s signature catchphrase when working with students as they grapple with complex investment case studies or the challenges of presenting to seasoned investors on the NC State Investment Fund Board of Directors.
“She is obviously smart and dedicated to her work, but, what I consider her biggest plus is her ability to understand the ‘big picture’ very quickly and get to the heart of the problem. I have observed this numerous times when the students make their practice presentation to the Endowment staff… and during the board presentation,” said Srinivasan Krishnamurthy, associate professor of finance, who leads case studies with George at Poole.
George’s passion for investing and commitment to NC State extend far beyond her professional responsibilities in managing the $1.35 billion endowment. Thanks to credible, real-world investment experience enabled by George, Poole MBA students graduate career ready to Think and Do.