Sheila Bird, MBA, MAOA, BA, CNP, CFRE Director of Gift Planning, Sterling College

Sheila Bird rejoined the Advancement team at Sterling College in July 2023 as the Director of Gift Planning, bringing with her over 25 years of leadership in development and philanthropy. Her return to Sterling marks a continuation of her deep commitment to faith-based education, having previously served the College in several key roles: Director of Planned Giving (2013–2016), Associate Vice President for Advancement, (2016–2019,), and Vice President for Advancement (2019).

Following the sudden passing of her husband of 42 years in 2019, Sheila took time away from her professional duties to navigate this profound life change. Her return to Sterling reflects a renewed calling to serve students and strengthen the financial foundations of Christian institutions of higher learning.

A first-generation college student, Sheila understands firsthand the transformative power of faith-based education. Her passion lies in ensuring that institutions like Sterling College have the resources they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. Sheila is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Certified Non-Profit Leader (CNP), and holds a certification in Graphic Arts. She is a strategic planner and dynamic fundraiser, known for building integrated programs and cultivating lasting relationships with donors, volunteers, and institutional leaders.

Her career spans work in academia, churches, healthcare, and the private sector, consistently demonstrating excellence in fundraising, strategic marketing, branding, and donor engagement.

Sheila holds three degrees from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas: a BA in Psychology (1979), an MBA (2004), and an MAOA in Non-Profit Administration (2005).

Beyond her professional work, Sheila is a devoted mother and grandmother. She is widowed and the proud parent of four adult children, their spouses, and six grandsons. Her hobbies include gardening, vintage furniture restoration, creative home decorating, and setting beautiful tables using her collection of vintage dishes.

Rooted in faith, Sheila draws daily strength from her life verse, Joshua 1:9 — “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Her favorite hymn, “And Can It Be,” echoes her gratitude for God’s enduring faithfulness through life’s mountains and valleys.