PUBLISHED:March 21, 2008

Jeff Coates named associate dean for alumni and development

March 21, 2008 -- Jeff D. Coates has been named associate dean for alumni and development at Duke Law School, effective April 14. Coates currently serves as assistant dean for development and alumni relations at the University of Illinois College of Law.

“I am delighted to welcome Jeff to Duke Law,” said Dean David F. Levi. “His track record at Illinois has been outstanding, and his leadership skills, enthusiasm, and deep passion for legal education will serve the Duke Law community well. I am confident that Jeff will provide the leadership and support the office needs to further strengthen and expand our services to alumni and our fundraising programs.”

Coates has served in a several positions during his time at the University of Illinois College of Law, beginning as an associate director of development in 2002 and rising rapidly to assistant dean. His responsibilities as assistant dean included oversight of major and principal gifts programs, the annual fund, and a $50-million capital campaign. He also has served on a number of committees, including the College of Law’s dean’s search committee and founding working groups for two interdisciplinary initiatives, the Environmental Change Institute and the Center on Law and Globalization.

Prior to his work at the College of Law, Coates held positions at the University of Illinois Foundation; the Citizens Utility Board in Chicago; and the Illinois 7th Circuit Court clerk’s office. He holds a master’s degree in legal studies from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in the administration of justice from Southern Illinois University.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to work with Dean Levi as well as the exceptional alumni and development staff at Duke Law,” Coates said. “Duke Law School is poised to build upon its tradition of excellence in the years ahead. I am honored to assume this leadership role as the Alumni and Development Office plays an increasingly important role in the school’s success.”

At Duke Law, Coates will oversee a staff of 18 full-time employees, managing all facets of the school’s fundraising and alumni relations programs as well as nearly 130 special events each year. Duke Law School has continuously expanded its fundraising efforts in recent years. In fiscal year 2007, the school raised $20.6 million in new gifts and pledges, compared to $14.2 million in 2006 and $9.8 million in 2005. Under Levi’s leadership, the school is undertaking new fundraising efforts in support of student scholarships and aid programs, faculty positions, and interdisciplinary and clinical programs.

Coates is married to Karmen Coates, a probation officer with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. They have a two-and-a-half-year-old son, Tristen.