New Development and Alumni Affairs Leader Continues Her Mother’s Passion for Nursing
Kate Gray brings her nursing experience and passion for healthcare to the School of Nursing.
In December, Kate Gray, MPA, joined the School of Nursing as our new Associate Dean of Development & Alumni Affairs.
"I am thrilled to be at the Duke University School of Nursing. Working with incredibly talented faculty, students, and alumni, who are together working to improve healthcare outcomes, is truly inspiring,” said Kate. “There is also a tremendous opportunity to elevate our development efforts, and I am looking forward to our many accomplishments together."
Kate’s mother is a retired nurse, and witnessing her hard work and dedication to service influences her passion for healthcare. She watched her work tirelessly—first as a bedside nurse in the ICU, then as a student earning her nurse practitioner degree, and ultimately as a nursing faculty member at Kate’s undergraduate institution. In her own career, Kate continues that legacy.
“Mission driven work is a necessity for me,” Kate said. “Believing in what I do and what I aim to accomplish is my driver and for me, nursing stands at the top of that pyramid.”
Kate most recently served as the Senior Director of Development at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill School of Nursing. In this role, she collaborated with the Dean, faculty, alumni, and friends to optimize the school's fundraising approach, successfully raising millions annually for priority areas.
Discussing her goals as she joins Duke University School of Nursing, Kate emphasized, "Nurses are critical to improving patient care and patient outcomes. I want to make sure that everyone knows this and knows that we are a leader in the field and a leader at Duke. As more and more people recognize this, the opportunities for partnership become more abundant."
Before her tenure at Carolina Nursing, Kate held various development roles at prestigious institutions such as UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and Duke Health. Her expertise spans managing major and principal gift portfolios, leading strategic campaigns, and fostering philanthropic partnerships across the healthcare and education sectors.
Kate holds a master's degree in public administration and non-profit management and policy from New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service, and a bachelor's degree in history with a Spanish minor from The Catholic University of America.
Learn more about our Nursing Alumni and DUSON Giving.