Making friends and raising funds for institutions of higher learning are two things that Greg Carter believes he was born to do. And as the new associate director of development for the University of Mississippi School of Engineering, Carter said he is truly fulfilling his calling.
“I believe in the transformative powers of education,” said Carter, a Peoria, Illinois, native. “After I learned about this position at Ole Miss, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the University of Mississippi and the Oxford community.”
Carter comes with a proven track record of successful fundraising experience. He formerly served as the associate vice chancellor for external relations at the University of North Carolina-Asheville and as special assistant to the chancellor at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke.
“In these positions, I worked with community leaders, donors, elected officials and legislative staff at the local, state and federal level,” he said. “In each position, we sought to find funding for critical programs essential to the success of the university.”
Carter was also a legislative assistant in the U.S. Senate. In that position, Carter often assisted universities to help identify appropriation needs.
Carter earned a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University, a master’s degree from Miami University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. In his new role in University Development, he will work closely with the dean, faculty and staff to raise funds that ensure the UM School of Engineering offers the finest opportunities for education and research.
“Greg’s experience and knowledge of higher education and the business world will be invaluable to University Development and the School of Engineering,” said Denson Hollis, chief development officer. “We are excited to have Greg join our team and look forward to the impact he will make on the faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the School of Engineering.”
Carter said he’s appreciative of the warm reception he has received from within the university community.
“It has been a welcoming experience,” said Carter, who began employment in mid-January. “The school’s stakeholders have been helpful in my efforts to learn more about what they do and what their priorities are.”
Dean Dave Puleo said Carter is a welcome addition to the engineering school’s support staff.
“His experience spanning different aspects of development will be a huge asset,” Puleo said. “Having previously worked with alumni, donors, community partners and elected officials, Greg is well-prepared to help the School of Engineering generate the resources to positively transform lives and communities through innovative engineering education and discovery.”
Carter is married to Jennifer Key, a graduate student in UM’s Department of English. In addition to caring for their pets, the couple enjoy swimming, hiking, biking and reading.
“My wife and I enjoy the access to wonderful events at the Gertrude Ford Center for Performing Arts and the many other venues in Oxford,” Carter said. ”We feel fortunate to live in a college town and enjoy all that comes with it.”
To learn more about making financial contributions to the UM School of Engineering, contact Greg Carter at 662-915-3937 or at gjcarter@olemiss.edu. Alumni and friends also can visit https://give.olemiss.edu.
By Edwin Smith