Administration changes follow Cate's departure from Maryville College

With the announcement last week of Mark Cate, vice president for advancement and finance, departure from Maryville College, college president Dr. Gerald W. Gibson has announced a series of administration changes.

Cate is leaving Maryville College after 16 years to take a position with the Knoxville development firm Lawler-Wood.

"Mark Cate is completing his 16th year at the College," Gibson wrote in a memo to faculty, staff and board members. "He has provided vital leadership that has been a key contributor to Maryville’s progress. It is no exaggeration to state that this college is a much better place today because Mark Cate has served here. That very record of accomplishment should make it no surprise that he has now been offered a new opportunity that he feels he must accept."

Included in Cate’s most recent responsibilities was service as chief financial officer as well as oversight and direction for student recruiting, marketing and communications, church relations, human resources and community relations.

Following the announcement of Cate’s stepping down, Gibson detailed changes to the administrative structure and team at the College.

"We have a very strong team at the College," the president said, "and I’m excited about the opportunity for current members to step up and use their gifts and talents as they take on new responsibilities and expanded roles."

Jason McNeal, former vice president for development, will continue to lead the institution’s fundraising efforts and direct the $83-million "Our Window of Opportunity Campaign," the largest campaign effort in the history of the College. Additionally, McNeal, who began work at the College in 2001, will assume accountability for leading the civic arts center efforts, communications, church relations and community relations. Reflecting the increased responsibilities, McNeal’s title will change to vice president for advancement and community relations.

Ned Willard, former assistant vice president for admissions, will be promoted to vice president for enrollment. Willard’s increased responsibilities as an administrator of the College will couple his continued leadership of admissions efforts and financial aid provision with oversight for enrollment management. Willard has served the institution since 1995.

Also promoted are Karyn Adams, former director of communications, and Holly Ludlow, former regional advancement director.

Adams will become the assistant vice president for marketing and communications and will be responsible for the integrated marketing efforts of the institution, in addition to communications efforts. Adams began her work at the College in 2002.

Ludlow, who joined the College’s staff in 2004, will become the assistant vice president for development, supervising the daily operations of the College’s fundraising efforts and team.

Nancy Pyanoe, assistant vice president for finance, will serve as interim CFO while the College conducts a search for a full-time chief financial officer. Pyanoe has worked at Maryville College since 1999 and currently directs the College’s business operations.

Contingent upon board approval in June, all administrative changes are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2007.