CANTON -- St. Lawrence University has appointed Laura Ellis as vice president for University advancement, with responsibility for development, alumni relations and advancement services.

She will begin her duties on March 12.

Currently, Ellis is associate vice president for development and alumni relations at Pace University, which has campuses in Manhattan, Pleasantville and White Plains.

"The faculty, staff and students who met Laura during her campus visit were immediately and deeply impressed by her understanding of the St. Lawrence mission, her strong interpersonal skills and her vision for a fundraising program that supports 'The St. Lawrence Promise,' our Strategic Map," President William L. Fox said.

"Laura has the ability to focus on opportunities that will transform the experiences of students, faculty members, alumni and the University itself. The search committee discovered many of her talents that bring out the involvement and collaboration of staff, faculty, and volunteers in the face of challenging work grounded in clearly articulated, shared goals. I am confident she will be tireless, personable and creative in her commitment to make a difference at St. Lawrence."

At Pace, Ellis is a member of the senior management team and works directly with the president and vice presidents to engage leadership gift prospects among alumni, parents and friends. The university recently concluded its Centennial Campaign. Prior to working at Pace, Ellis held advancement positions at Cornell University's Weill Medical College, the University at Albany, Columbia Teacher's College and Albany Medical College. Her responsibilities have included alumni relations, development communications, prospect research, corporate and foundation relations, special events and planned giving.

Ellis earned a bachelor's degree, Master of Science degree and Ph.D. in nutritional science, all from Cornell University. She also earned a Master of Science degree in exercise physiology from the University of Michigan and has conducted post-doctoral research.