Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to share an update on the search for a new Director of Alumni Relations. This is an important leadership position on campus that works to engage our graduates and keep them connected with UMD throughout their lives. After consulting with leadership at UMD and other universities, and after careful examination of alumni engagement, I am excited to share with you a new approach and structure for alumni relations. To strengthen the connection from student to alumni, and further integrate alumni relations into the campus community, I have decided to realign the Alumni Relations Office from the Chancellor's Unit to Student Life.
The Director of Alumni Relations will report to Vice Chancellor of Student Life and Dean of Students Lisa Erwin. I'm very excited about the opportunities that arise from this new structure, as are the Alumni Relations and Student Life staff. The Alumni Director will serve as a member of Dr. Erwin's leadership team while continuing to have a close partnership with key partners such as university marketing and public relations, and the development team.
Tricia Bunten will continue her role as Interim Alumni Director and will chair the search for the new Director. We will be posting the job opening soon and are in in the process of inviting members of the campus and alumni community to be part of the search committee.
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
