Silas Douglass Cater Jr. (August 24, 1923 – September 15, 1995) was an American journalist, political aide, and college president.

During World War II, Cater interrupted his education and served in the Office of Strategic Services as a Russia analyst.

[5] While a journalist, Cater wrote The Fourth Branch of Government which examined how the press can be used to further disinformation by unquestioningly printing the statements of politicians.

[3] Near the beginning of his time at the White House, in 1964, Cater wrote a memorandum that convinced Lyndon B. Johnson that he should concentrate on education policy.

[6] Cater retired to Montgomery, Alabama in 1991 and died four years later, on September 15, 1995, from pulmonary fibrosis at the guest house at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland.