Dr. Lea-Ann Morton, director of career opportunities and employer relations at Missouri University of Science and Technology since 2003, has been named assistant vice chancellor for development at Missouri S&T, effective Aug. 1.

Morton will be responsible for leading the division’s development operation, which is responsible for private fundraising.

“Lea-Ann has developed a nationally recognized organization that has outstanding relationships with employers,” says Joan Nesbitt, vice chancellor for university advancement. “She brings to our division a strong management background along with a wealth of knowledge of campus constituents and operations. Her dynamic leadership and skill at building corporate relationships has positioned S&T as a top partner for employers and I’m confident she will quickly bring her talent to bear on our operation.”

Morton replaces Judy Cavender, who retired from the position in July 2010. Since Cavender’s departure, Greg Harris, senior development officer in university advancement, has served as interim assistant vice chancellor.

“I owe a special debt of gratitude to Greg Harris,” Nesbitt says. “He has provided steady leadership as interim vice chancellor for more than a year during a very challenging time. Greg has been immensely helpful to me during my short time here and I am deeply grateful for his desire to share his wealth of knowledge and experience, and his commitment to our university.”

Morton joined the Missouri S&T staff in July 2001 as assistant director for career opportunities and employer relations. She became director in April 2003.

Morton holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a master of education in adult education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from College of the Ozarks in Branson, Mo.

In 2009, Morton received the Missouri S&T Recruitment and Retention Service Award for her efforts to improve student recruitment and retention. She also received the Distinguished Young Alumni Award from College of the Ozarks in 2003.

Prior to joining Missouri S&T, she was the cooperative education coordinator at the University of Arkansas’ career development center.