President Leo Groarke is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Davis to a second five-year term as vice-president, External Relations & Advancement. Ms. Davis has been reappointed to the position after a review process the University uses for all Vice-Presidential appointments.

“I have great confidence in Julie and the role she plays on Trent’s senior administrative team,” said Dr. Groarke. “She is a transformational leader. I expect her to build on her achievements over the past four years as she works with alumni, the community and other partners in making Trent even more successful during her second term.”

“Julie Davis has been instrumental in building a culture of philanthropy at Trent and moving the University’s interests forward on key projects,” said Bryan Davies, chair of the Board of Governors. “Her leadership was essential to putting Trent in the spotlight during our 50th anniversary celebrations and will continue to be key during this pivotal time for our two campuses.”

In her new mandate, Ms. Davis will continue to foster and develop greater partnerships with the communities Trent serves, oversee the creation and implementation of a new strategic plan for alumni relations, lead the University to develop a culture of philanthropy, and inspire donors to give to help the University advance its mission.

“I'm delighted to have the opportunity to continue my work at Trent University,” said Ms. Davis as her reappointment as vice-president External Relations and Advancement was confirmed. “It's a privilege to work alongside many who have a deep affection for the institution and share my confidence in its future.”

Over the past five years, Ms. Davis led the Advancement team that ran the very successful legacy gift campaign, doubling the number of legacy donors, as well as the “50in50 Giving Tuesday,” an online giving challenge that exceeded the $50,000 goal by raising more than $90,000, an effort that garnered a Prix ’Excellence Gold Award by the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCCAE). The Student Centre Challenge, which launched earlier this year, continues to garner widespread support and just celebrated a $1 million gift for the project.

In addition to philanthropic efforts during her first term, Ms. Davis spearheaded a renewed focus on community relations in Peterborough and Durham, including consultations on the Trent Lands Plan. She was an integral member of the team that successfully brought the new ball diamond and arena development to Trent, laying the groundwork for the University’s future Research Park. She led the team that created the Community Report which won a Silver Prix D’Excellence Award, one of four awarded to Trent’s External Relations & Advancement portfolio at the CCAE national Conference in Montreal in June 2015.

Ms. Davis oversaw Trent’s very successful 50th anniversary celebrations, which welcomed the community and alumni from around the world. She led the development of the University’s positioning and recent Challenge The Way You Think tagline, and engaged a rapidly-growing alumni body through expanded programming and increased alumni positions on University committees and the Board of Governors.

In recommending Ms. Davis’ reappointment to a new term, the Committee was especially impressed with the high regard in which she is held by so many members of the Trent community, by her work ethic, her commitment to Trent, her role in the University’s 50th anniversary celebrations and her collaborative approach to work.