A new Vice President for Development will soon walk the halls of Northeastern and rearrange a bit of the bureaucracy. “The new VP position is part of moving forward to increase fund-raising capacity for the future.” Hahs is not wasting time in getting the ball rolling, she said, “I plan to initiate the search process this summer and have the position filled during the fall semester.”
In the earliest statements by President Hahs upon her arrival on campus she stated that fundraising and development are among her top priorities for the university. In a recent e-mail to the campus community Hahs said, “One of my responsibilities as President of Northeastern Illinois University is to further develop our fund-raising efforts to increase external support to the University. To that end, I am establishing and initiating a search for a Vice President for Advancement to head our fund-raising, development, marketing and alumni affairs efforts. A search committee is being formed for the new position.”
Several departments will be moved under the new VP “The units of Alumni Affairs, Development, Marketing and Communications, Public Relations and Publications will be reporting to the new VP. Additional positions may be added in the future, after the new VP has had time to assess what steps should be taken next. I anticipate that any additional positions will fit into the current organization,” said Hahs.
The Independent has also learned that Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Terry Bush will not be returning to the university after the 2007 / 2008 school year. Bush was not a VP but did serve on the President’s Council. The new VP of Development will take over responsibility for several of the areas that Bush oversaw including Public Relations, Publications, Marketing and Communications.
The Search Committee for the new VP’s position will consist of several constituencies. Chair of the Faculty Senate Dr. Allen Shub, will work on getting nominations of faculty members, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Melvin Terrell will work on getting nominations of students for the committee and Dr. Hahs is working on getting nominations through the Civil Service Council and the A and P Council personally. Hahs said “I would like to receive these nominations by July 25, 2007.”
Members of the campus community may also self nominate themselves for the search committee, “any member of the University community who wishes to be considered for serving on the committee may self-nominate by sending your name and a brief statement summarizing why you would be interested in serving,” said Hahs.