Biography

Ken is responsible for directing all aspects of the department's corporate and alumni relations efforts. He guides and directs the highly-acclaimed ePartners Program, a model corporate relations program that serves as the foundation for nurturing active partnerships with over 100 companies, generating ~$1.5M in total support annually. He also works closely with alumni and friends of the department to help them realize and fulfill their philanthropic vision, while generating transformational impact that is aligned with strategic needs of the department . Over his 22 year career with the department of computer science, he has raised more than $20M in cash gifts, and has helped donors launch over 40 new and planned endowed scholarships, fellowships, programs and professorships. He is actively involved in the extended business community, representing the department on a number of external fronts including the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), the North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA), and the NC Department of Commerce, supporting the business development efforts of the state, county, and city. He arranges engagement opportunities for industrial leaders and key alumni, including the coordination and facilitation of the department's Strategic Advisory Board. He also coordinates the CSC Alumni Hall of Fame, which recognizes the department's top graduates who are disrupting and revolutionizing every facet of our lives – completely transforming how we live, work and play.

Ken designed and served as the primary instructor for an executive seminar-based course called "Leadership in Technology", voted the most popular course in the computer science curriculum each semester it was offered.  In 2007, the course was converted into the "Leadership in Technology" Speakers Series (currently sponsored by Labcorp), which under Ken's direction, is now recognized as one of the premiere speakers series on campus featuring high-profile executives and technology leaders from across the country.

In addition to his corporate and alumni relations role, Ken is also responsible for providing guidance and direction to the department's overall marketing, communications, and PR initiatives.  In this role, he manages the development and release of news stories, press releases, and communication collateral such as our monthly eNewsletter, our annual Research Publication, our department newsletter for alumni and business & academic leaders, as well as various outreach related materials.  He is also responsible for managing the image and brand awareness for the department across all media types, as well as managing the department's social media presence.

Ken also provides guidance to the department's outreach efforts, with a goal of attracting the very best students, especially those from underrepresented groups.  He is leading the efforts to redefine computer science, not as purely coding and programming, but as a technology enabler allowing individuals to make a real difference in the world in a socially relevant way.  In this capacity, he coordinates the department's efforts as an Academic Alliance member of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT).  He also serves as the faculty advisor and mentor for the department's Student Ambassadors. In 2018, he was named one of the Triangle Business Journal's "Leaders in Diversity" award winners.

Prior to joining NC State in 2001, Ken worked for Nortel Networks for almost two decades. He held a variety of senior leadership roles with the telecommunications firm spanning human resources, services marketing, and technical product training & documentation. Prior to leaving Nortel, he served as Director of ePerformance and Marketing Solutions, where he led a global team in the development and implementation of Nortel's overall eLearning strategy and infrastructure.

Ken and his wife, Sandra, both graduated from NC State in the early 1980s.  They are lifelong Wolfpack supporters and have made estate plans to establish Kenneth & Sandra Tate Scholarship Endowment at NC State to benefit students from Caswell County where they both grew up (link). Their daughter, Jessica, is a graduate of NC State's College of Design with a degree in graphic design.  

The Tates live in Fuquay-Varina, NC and are active members of Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church. Ken is very involved in a number of faith-based ministries and outreach programs, serves on FVUMC's Visual Media team, and chairs the FVUMC Columbarium Committee.

View Ken Tate's profile on LinkedIn

Awards

  • College of Engineering 'Award of Excellence' Nominee - 2024
  • Triangle Business Journal "Leaders in Diversity" Award - 2018
  • Computer Science 'Person of Exceptional Performance' (PEP) Award - 2018
  • IBM Faculty Award - 2016
  • ACM/AITP "Outstanding Undergraduate Staff" Award - 2015
  • ACM/AITP "Outstanding Graduate Staff" Award - 2014
  • ACM/AITP "Most Outstanding Staff Member" Award – 2004, 2011
  • Pride of the Wolfpack Award - 2004
  • Nortel Networks PRIDE Award for team leadership (ePerformance Solutions) - 2000
  • Bronze Quill Award for multi-media marketing (Advisor ’98 CD-ROM) - 1998
  • Nortel Networks Award of Merit for launch of Remote Access Learning technology - 1998
  • Golden Hugo Award for marketing video production (On Course video) - 1997
  • Aurora Gold Award for On Course promotional video - 1997