COLLEGE PARK, Md - The University of Maryland has elevated Jim Harris, the interim vice president for university relations, to the role permanently, President Darryll J. Pines announced on Monday.
In this role, Harris will guide UMD’s efforts to advance its mission through philanthropy and engagement, overseeing a team comprising annual, major, principal and planned gifts; alumni and donor relations; and the financial management and operations of the division and UMCP Foundation.
“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,” Pines said. “In those short months, I have heard vocal support for Jim from countless donors, trustees, colleagues and staff—a testament to his leadership skills.”
His previous position as associate vice president for university development included leading the day-to-day fundraising of the development operation including 16 colleges and units, and 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 in May 2019, Harris served at the University of Louisiana for four years as executive director of its 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.
"Stepping into the role of Vice President of University Relations is an honor. I am eager to channel the deep passions of our alums and donors, and immense talents of our team, in support of Maryland’s Fearlessly Forward vision," said Harris. "I look forward to building on our recent successes in fundraising and engagement, and to working alongside our campus leadership, to maximize philanthropic impact to the university."