FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Laura Cate of Fayetteville has been named the new executive director of administration and development services for the Office of University Development at the University of Arkansas. Cate is returning to development after serving as Chancellor G. David Gearhart's executive assistant since January 2014.

As executive director of administration and development services, Cate will provide strategic planning, management and direction to support and promote fundraising as it relates to information and technology services, gift services, records and data services and prospect research. She will report to Mark Power, associate vice chancellor for development, effective May 1.

"We are very excited that Laura is rejoining our development team in this role," said Power. "Her strong experience in administration and development services makes her the perfect choice for this position. She displays strong leadership and a great work ethic and will be a wonderful asset to our fundraising program."

Cate first came to work for the university in 1998, right after the launch of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. In her initial role, she supported the vice chancellor for university advancement and assisted with the management of the Campaign Steering Committee.

In 2006, Cate rejoined the development team as an administrative assistant and University House receptionist after working elsewhere for seven years. From 2008 to 2009, she managed the development team's imaging processes and then became assistant director of development services. In 2010, she was promoted to associate director of development services and remained in that position until she moved to the Chancellor's Office.

"I am delighted to return to the Office of University Development," said Cate. "In my time in Chancellor Gearhart's office, I have worked closely with Chris Wyrick and have seen the tremendous leadership that he and Mark Power have exhibited in leading development. I believe my experiences at the university with capital campaigns and community relations have prepared me well to serve in this role. I look forward to working with all of the talented people in the exciting and important work being performed in development."

In addition to her experience at the university, Cate has also worked for the Tennessee General Assembly, Vanderbilt University, Heifer International and the Fayetteville Community Foundation. She graduated cum laude from Lipscomb University in Nashville with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and emphasis in mathematics, as well as minor in political science.