David H. Webster, former associate director for university development at UCLA, has been appointed director of development at the University of California, Davis. He assumed his new position Sept. 3. In his new position, Webster serves as a member of the campus' senior development management team, helping oversee UC Davis' comprehensive fund-raising program. He is responsible for the campus's annual giving program, research regarding prospective donors, special events and public ceremonies, and donor relations. He will supervise a staff of 17, including development officers attracting private support for the Institute of Governmental Affairs, student affairs, cultural programs, the University Arboretum and the library. The director position had been vacant since the resignation of Joel Skornicka in 1989, with the duties assumed in the interim by Gina Kelsch, associate vice chancellor for university relations and development. "David comes to us with 18 years of experience in university development, having worked for both public and private institutions, including UCLA and Stanford," said Kelsch. "David has a national reputation as one of the top professionals in corporate and foundation relations. He played a key role in the success of UCLA's recently completed $373 million campaign." Webster joined UCLA in 1984 as director of development for the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The next year he was promoted to associate director of university development and director of corporate and foundation relations. In that position he was responsible for developing support from corporations and private foundations, overseeing a staff of four individuals and a 12-member volunteer committee of business leaders. He also managed the 12-member professional staff of development directors and assistant directors assigned to UCLA's professional schools. In 1977-83 he worked at the University of Santa Clara, for two years as director of corporate and foundation relations, then as director of development. In that position he helped plan and execute a successful $50 million five-year capital campaign. Prior to that, in 1971-77, he served Stanford University, moving from director of student employment to director of the Engineering School Fund and the Business School Fund, then to associate director of corporate relations. "I had heard about UC Davis, about the chancellor and the development program and all the exciting things that they were doing, and I really wanted to be a part of that," said Webster. "It's also important for me to work for a public university. Private support for public institutions is more important than ever, given the economic problems we are having in this state and nationwide. Support from private sources is critical to maintaining our very high quality of education. I hope that during my time here I can build upon a core of people who are committed to the institution -- volunteers, donors, staff and faculty -- to set the wheels in motion for public and private philanthropy to happen here forever." Webster, a native of Wheaton, Ill., received his bachelor's degree in sociology from California State University, Los Angeles. He is a member of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, the California Association of Black Faculty and Staff, and the National Urban League, and is a past board member of Catholic Charities/Catholic Social Services. During the 1990-91 fiscal year, UC Davis development efforts brought in a total of $34.3 million from foundations, corporations and individuals. That was a 10 percent increase in the number of dollars and a 11 percent increase in the number of contributions over the previous fiscal year's figures.