UMD Fundraising Leader Elevated to Vice President for University Relations

University President Darryll J. Pines sent the following email to campus leaders on Monday afternoon:

I am excited to share with you that I have named Jim Harris as the permanent vice president for university relations at the University of Maryland. Jim has served in the interim role since July and has clearly demonstrated the skills and experience needed to lead and grow our fundraising and alumni relations enterprise. In those short months, I have heard vocal support for Jim from countless donors, trustees, colleagues and staff—a testament to his leadership skills.

Jim is well-positioned for this role. His previous position as associate vice president for university development included the responsibilities of leading the day-to-day fundraising of the development operation including 16 colleges and units, central areas including Annual Giving, Leadership Annual Giving, Regional Development, Office of Gift Planning, Parent and Family Philanthropy, Prospect Research and Management, Donor Relations and Stewardship and Corporate Engagement and Foundation Relations.

Prior to arriving in College Park, Jim served at the University of Louisiana for four years as executive director of the Foundation and Office of Advancement. Previous positions include associate vice president for the University of South Florida Foundation and senior director of development at Ohio University for four years. His career began at his alma mater, Indiana University, where he worked for nearly six years as the director of development for major gifts in Athletics.

Jim will lead a tremendous University Relations team of outstanding fundraising professionals here at Maryland. Their collective role is critical to the success of our university, to engage our alumni, to foster meaningful connections, and to expand a culture of giving back that allows the university to grow our impact in our state, our nation and our world.

Please join me in congratulating Jim Harris as our new vice president for university relations.

Sincerely,