A&M–Central Texas Announces New Development Staff

 

Texas A&M University–Central Texas announces Jared Foster and Kathleen McDonald will join the Advancement and Alumni Services team this month.

Foster, a Central Texas native, will serve as the director of development. As director, Foster will implement strategies and campaigns to identify and secure financial support for the institution’s mission and achieving the goals established by the University, the Foundation, and Alumni Association. Of particular emphasis will be increasing major and planned gifts to the Foundation and engaging the University’s alumni.

“It represents an opportunity for me to not only join this amazing institution, but to cultivate relationships and support to grow its impact and benefit a community I have served and been a part of for so long,” Foster said referring to his new role.

Foster has strong connections to the community as a local businessperson, former Killeen City Councilperson and former board member of the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce. He championed Greater Killeen Young Professionals and previously chaired their signature event, “Rock the Foundation,” which has generated more than $150,000 in higher education scholarship funding since 2010.

Foster earned a Master of Arts in English Literature from Southern Methodist University in 2008 and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas A&M University in 2004.

McDonald, who has over 20 years of experience in higher education philanthropy, will join the Advancement and Alumni Services as assistant director of development. In addition to supporting development strategy implementation, McDonald will take lead on donor stewardship, annual giving, and alumni services.

Prior to joining A&M–Central Texas as the coordinator for student financial assistance and overseeing the university’s scholarship program, McDonald served as the Coordinator for College Development at Central Texas College for 10 years.

McDonald earned her Master of Science in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in communication in Spring 2022 and her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Science in 2017; both from A&M–Central Texas.

“I could not be more excited for this new chapter of my career, working at my alma mater, supporting their goals to provide high quality, affordable education to our diverse community,” McDonald said.

Assistant vice president for Enrollment Management and acting university advancement officer, Clifton Jones said “Adding these two individuals is a critical step for the long-term growth of A&M-Central Texas, the Foundation and Alumni Association. I look forward to working with Mr. Foster and Ms. McDonald to implement strategies that positively impact the future of the institution and our students.”