BOONE, N.C. – Katie Pate, who was hired as App State's Assistant Athletics Director for Development in 2021, has been promoted to Associate Athletics Director for Development.
In her new role, Pate will lead the major gifts strategy of the Mountaineers Athletic Fund.
"Katie Pate is a rockstar," said Patrick Ransdell, Deputy Athletics Director for External Relations. "I am thrilled to have her with our team for the foreseeable future in this elevated role. Katie is going to enhance our fundraising as we embark on many capital needs for our athletics programs. She not only can raise money, but she builds relationships with donors as well as anyone I have ever been around."
Since her arrival in Boone, Pate has helped App State Athletics set fundraising records while engaging with a growing donor base. A former college coach, she has also served as a women's basketball analyst on the Mountaineers' ESPN+ broadcasts.
"This is a very exciting transition," Pate said. "Thank you to Director of Athletics Doug Gillin and Patrick Ransdell for your leadership and invitation to serve our community in an elevated capacity. It's a privilege to work alongside so many that have forged the Mountaineer way.
"I look forward to more tailgates, special conversations, and dreaming big dreams. We've come so far, imagine where the Black and Gold will go next!"
Pate served as the Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Operations and Senior Woman Administrator at Longwood University, where she worked from 2019-21.
Prior to moving to the administrative side, she enjoyed a 20-year women's basketball coaching career that included recent stops at Georgia State, Marshall and Lenoir-Rhyne.
A graduate of Coker University with a Master of Business Administration degree from Webster University, Pate is active on several industry speaker circuits including the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), Women Leaders in College Sports, and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). She also serves as a mentor to many young professionals and coaches.
