91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ

Dear 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ colleagues â€”

Welcome back to our university community after the weather challenges of the past week. Thanks to each of you for your cooperation and flexibility, now let’s have a tremendous semester together.

During the height of our preparations we unfortunately missed out on the chance to personally send off one of the University’s most valued assets. After nearly 16 years of combined service to 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Kimberly Jones, Senior Vice President for University Advancement, is moving on to a new professional opportunity at her alma mater, the University of Florida. We thank her for her outstanding leadership and commitment to the University. Her professionalism has helped build a spirit of giving here at the University.

I am pleased to announce that, effective Sept. 9, Scott Bacon, our Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications, will be overseeing University Advancement during this transitional time, in addition to his current responsibilities. He has a proven record of building strong partnerships and a culture of collaboration with multiple areas of campus, and I am confident he will offer stability and continuity to our talented UA team as we finalize the future direction of this important work.

Scott embraces a team-first mentality that has paid big dividends now in both Athletics and Marketing & Communications. He brings an extensive and diverse background in fundraising and engagement to UA, and I know he will energize an already high-performing department.

To maximize the current talents and strengths within UA, Leslie Redd will oversee the relationship and development of our major donors and friends during this critical time of planning our next capital campaign. Lauren Griffith will lead our engagement and annual giving efforts, while Robyn Reeves transitions to an expanded role focused on the University’s external events. I believe this new structure will serve to strengthen the culture of teamwork and excellence UA has worked to cultivate.

Please join me in wishing Kimberly the best in her future endeavors and thanking Scott for his willingness to take on these expanded responsibilities. Let’s work to support the advancement staff as they lead our University in building relationships outside of our campus walls, remembering that we all share the responsibility of working to elevate and advance 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ.

Tim Cost
President
91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ
Class of 1981