Kate Moser, The Graduate School’s new associate dean for development, has experienced the transformational power of philanthropy firsthand. The Hollins University graduate credits the opportunity to attend college thanks to a full academic scholarship and the life-changing experience of thanking the scholarship’s donor as she walked across the stage at graduation. Moser began her fundraising career at her alma mater, learning from Hollins alumni and friends — many of whom have connections to UNC-Chapel Hill.
“Longtime philanthropist Jane Batten served as the commencement speaker the year I graduated. She and her husband, Frank, funded the Batten Scholars program that allowed me to attend college,” Moser said. “I was able to shake her hand as I crossed the stage to receive my diploma and thank her for my education.”
Moser remained at Hollins for three years, helping close out the university’s campaign for “Women Who are Going Places,” raising over $160 million surpassing its $125 million goal and setting numerous records. She went on to lead its fundraising team before relocating to North Carolina in 2012.
In North Carolina, she worked briefly in healthcare philanthropy before spending five years fundraising for The Nature Conservancy, a global environmental nonprofit, followed by five years at Westchester Country Day School, a pre-K—12 independent school. At both organizations, she served as a frontline fundraiser during campaigns and worked closely with board members and volunteer entities.
At UNC-Chapel Hill, Moser will oversee the strategic planning and execution of fundraising initiatives for The Graduate School, building upon the University’s rich tradition of philanthropy, including the recent success of the Campaign for Carolina. Her expertise will drive The Graduate School’s efforts to secure crucial resources, establish endowed fellowships, professorships, enhance programs, and advance groundbreaking research.
She joins the school at a time when graduate education is emerging as a catalyst for our state. Moser shares in Dean Beth Mayer-Davis‘s belief and vision that graduate students are pivotal to how Carolina powers its economic and research engine.
“The Graduate School is well positioned to engage in philanthropic work that will be transformative,” Mayer-Davis said. “Kate is arriving at the perfect time to help us connect many opportunities with our alumni and friends. We have the opportunity to help students get a world-class education — and to create new knowledge — as we address grand challenges of our time.
Moser is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of UNC-Chapel Hill, ensuring that their contributions align with their philanthropic goals, and have a lasting impact. She wholeheartedly believes in the power of collaboration and looks forward to working closely with faculty, staff, and academic leaders to identify opportunities for partnership and investment in our University and in its global footprint.
“We are confident that with Kate’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, our development efforts will flourish and create transformative opportunities for the UNC-Chapel Hill community,” Mayer-Davis said. “Please join us in welcoming her to our Carolina community as we advance our University’s mission of education, research, and service.”
To learn more about funding opportunities at The Graduate School, please contact Kate Moser.