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Jeffrey N. Mills enjoys challenges. And he recently accepted a position that will pose plenty of new challenges. The Board of Trustees voted in mid-March to name Mills vice president for University Advancement. Not only will he take on the responsibilities of this new role, he will retain his position as president of the University of Maine Alumni Association.
“We’re all very excited at the Alumni Association about this change,” said Diana Richardson, executive assistant at the Alumni Association.
The change implies reorganization for the association. Lobbying, public face issues and different fund-raising organizations will be put under an “umbrella” supervised by one vice president. Mills will report directly to University of Maine President Peter S. Hoff. The new organization will be more effective in raising funds, Mills said.
Among the challenges that Mills will face in the near future is rebuilding the Development Office at the Heritage House. According to Donna Thornton, director of the Annual Fund, the Development Office handles major gifts, usually greater than $25,000, given for specific projects. Mills expressed a need for more staff at the Heritage House.
The support received from family, friends and the campus community will help Mills face these challenges. Hoff said he fully supports the change.
“I am delighted that Dr. Mills has agreed to accept this important assignment. Under his leadership, all elements of this new unit will be brought together to create a strategic plan for the advancement of the University of Maine,” Hoff wrote in a press release.
“[Mills] will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive and integrated advancement program designed to broaden the university’s base of support in the areas of fund-raising, public relations, state and federal relations and with opinion leaders in and outside of Maine,” Hoff said.
The Alumni Association will also move their location after the new Buchanan Alumni House opens with the ribbon cutting on May 31.
The Alumni Association will remain independent from the university and be a part of the umbrella organization at the same time.
“This gives the university the advantage to call on us because of our status,” Thornton said.
She pointed out that Mills would help the university and the Alumni Association work together for a more unified approach to fund-raising and public relations.
Mills hopes the new organization will help create and maintain a consistent marketing message for the university.
“What does it mean when we say the University of Maine? We want it to mean Orono,” Mills said.
The consistency developed through the new organization will help to determine priorities for the university.
Thornton sids there are currently a lot of positive feelings circulating within and about the association. This reorganization is generating more positive excitement.
Mills, a Maine native himself, has plenty of experience in public administration to help him carry his new responsibilities. Mills served in the legislature for nine years and worked for the alumni association at Arizona State University.
Mills was Student Government president during his senior year at the University of Maine. He said being involved in a lot of student activities helped him gain valuable experiences that helped him later on in his career.
Thornton stressed the importance of any alumni association’s staff having previous connections with the university. She said she is surprised at the number of people who have careers in alumni associations other than the school they attended.
“[Mills] understands the state of Maine and the people of Maine,” said Thornton.
Thornton is also a graduate of the university, where she was a resident assistant. She has served on the City Council of Brewer for nine years.
Mills will also serve as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Public Administration. He plans to teach one class next spring. He said teaching helps keep him in touch with the students.
“I would like [to see] students involved in advocacy issues . being a former legislator, it’s very moving to have students testify about their experiences,” Mills said.
