USDA County Executive, Terry Cater

By Desiree Cooper

Terry Cater (MA 02, BS 00) is the county executive director at the Lea County United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency in Lovington, New Mexico.

Terry grew up in Elida, New Mexico. He attended Eastern because it was “small enough that it didn’t cause too much of a shock coming from a rural school.

“Money was also a driving factor because I got the best scholarships to attend ENMU. I had many opportunities that I would not have had at a larger university.

“My education at ENMU polished my communication skills and taught me how to critically analyze information,” Terry continued. “Those two skills have been invaluable in my current career. My knowledge and skills truly are put to use every day as a civil servant, navigating bureaucratic red tape, convoluted policy and congressional mandates.”

As the current state president and legislative chair of the southwest area for his employee association, Terry does his “best to have a positive influence in the lives of others and take advantage of opportunities to advance my career.”