UT Tyler Business Internship Program Helps Students Get Experience

August 22, 2003

UT Tyler Appoints Nancy Lamar as Director of University Advancement

Nancy Fagan Lamar will serve as the new executive director of university advancement at The University of Texas at Tyler, President Rodney H. Mabry announced.

Lamar, who has served as president and executive director of East Texas Communities Foundation, will head the university’s development initiatives, a responsibility formerly held by Mary Untersee Irwin who will retire Aug. 31, 2003.

“We are pleased to welcome Nancy to UT Tyler. With her accomplishments as head of the East Texas Communities Foundation, she is more than capable of carrying on the outstanding success of Mary Irwin and her staff in securing much needed funds to aid in the advancement of our students and the university,” President Mabry said.

Irwin, who led the university’s development activities for four years, leaves after raising more than $24 million in support for UT Tyler.

“Nancy’s experience will help us raise the funds necessary to help UT Tyler take its place among the significant regional universities in Texas, like UT El Paso, UT San Antonio or Texas Tech. East Texas deserves no less,” he added.

“I am pleased and honored to accept this appointment and am looking forward to working with Dr. Mabry and the faculty and staff of the university. UT Tyler is an incredible asset to East Texas, and I am delighted to be a part of its future,” said Lamar.

She has served as president and executive director of East Texas Communities Foundation since 1998, during which time charitable assets grew from $1.8 million to over $13.5 million. Grants and scholarships expanded in excess of $10 million, helping to carry out the foundation’s objective of promoting philanthropy in East Texas.

“Nancy will be a valuable asset to the continued growth and development of UT Tyler. The university is to be congratulated for attracting such a high caliber individual to the position,” said Scott Terry, chairman of the Board of Directors, East Texas Communities Foundation.

As executive director of PATH, a position held from 1987 – 1998, Lamar increased the organization’s budget
10 times its original amount, taking it from $150,000 to $1.5 million. During her tenure, PATH’s programs grew in number to 10 with 400 volunteers.

She holds a master of science degree in social work from UT Arlington and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Southwestern at Memphis.

Community involvement includes the Junior League of Tyler, Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, Trinity Mother Frances Foundation Advisory Board, Tyler Catholic School Board and Episcopal Health Charities of Houston.

Contact:
Beverley Golden
903.566.7303