Greg Carter
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 from the Ole Miss website, 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 at 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. There he often worked with universities to help identify appropriation needs.
“That was a long time ago,” he said. “Back when Congress actually earmarked funds.”
Carter earned his 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 the UM Foundation, he will be working closely with the dean, faculty and staff to raise funds to ensure the 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 the University Development team and the School of Engineering,” said Denson Hollis, executive director of development. “We are excited to have Greg join our team and are looking forward to the impact he will make on the faculty, staff, students and alumni of the School of Engineering.”
Carter said he’s appreciative of the warm reception he has gotten so far from within the university community.
“It has been a welcoming experience,” said Carter, who began employment in mid-January. “The school has been helpful in my efforts to learn more about what they do and what their priorities are.”
Dean Dave Puleo said Carter is also 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 needed 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, they enjoy swimming, hiking, biking and reading.
“My wife and I enjoy the access to wonderful events at the Gertrude Ford Center and the many other venues in Oxford,” Carter said. ”We feel fortunate to live in a college town and all that comes with it.”
For further information about making financial contributions to the UM School of Engineering, contact Greg Carter at 662-915-3937 or at gjcarter@olemiss.edu.