Continuing development of Iowa State’s Reiman Gardens has led the university to create a new position, director of public relations and development at the gardens.

Teresa McLaughlin will begin the new job today. She has held managerial positions before at United Way and the University of Iowa’s Museum of Art and Hancher Auditorium.

Murray Blackwelder, vice president for External Affairs, said the gardens’ expansive growth created the need for McLaughlin’s position.

“Teresa will deal with the successes that we have been having and help with fundraising for new projects,” he said.

Blackwelder said the university has received monetary gifts to help complete the gardens but needs McLaughlin’s help in raising money for everyday operations.

“One thing leads to another, and we are now having to deal with public event policies, such as the gardens’ hours and closing times,” he said.

McLaughlin will handle weddings and other events held at the gardens and whether those will interfere with public access to the grounds.

“Clearly, Reiman Gardens is truly becoming a gateway to the university and, to a large extent, to the city of Ames,” said John McCarroll, director of University Relations.

McLaughlin will be working closely with Michael Chaplin, the gardens’ director and chairman of the horticulture department.