Nancy L. Wells recruited from Stanford University
McGill University Principal Heather Munroe-Blum is delighted to announce the appointment of Nancy L. Wells as the new Vice-Principal (Development and Alumni Relations), effective May 1, 2003. The appointment, which has a five-year mandate, was approved by the Board of Governors last evening. Wells, who grew up on the East Coast of the United States, is currently Associate Vice-President for Development at Stanford University in California. She succeeds Professor Derek Drummond, who has been in office since 1996.
Principal Munroe-Blum is delighted that McGill has recruited someone of Nancy Wells' calibre and experience. "This represents a tremendous opportunity for us to raise the bar for private giving to McGill and strengthen our ties of support among alumni and friends. The Stanford fundraising team is one of the best in North American higher education. It is truly a 'dream team,' and I know we can expect great things for our University under Nancy's leadership as Vice-Principal (Development and Alumni Relations)."
At Stanford since 1993, Nancy Wells has most recently been in charge of the performance and strategic direction of units involved in individual giving, corporate, foundation and donor relations, stewardship and communications, human resources and financial planning. She also worked with the faculty and chief development officers in the schools of Humanities and Sciences and Education, and the Institute for International Studies. Another part of her portfolio included management liaison with the Stanford Alumni Association. Among her earlier responsibilities at Stanford, she was a major gifts officer focused on the East Coast of the United States and Europe. Prior to that, she served as founding director of the Stanford Fund for Undergraduate Education.
Before her move to the West Coast, Wells held various positions at the American University (Washington, DC) and was managing director of a nonprofit fundraising consulting firm. She has a master's degree in education from Indiana University and a BA in sociology from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (formerly North Adams State College). She has done volunteer work for opera, conservation and elementary education.
And why is she leaving sunny California for Canada? Says Wells, "First of all, McGill has an international reputation for academic excellence, and its location in Montreal is very appealing. Second, I am impressed by Principal Munroe-Blum's energy and her high aspirations. It will be particularly exciting to work with her and her colleagues. Finally, I'm very attracted by the strength of the development and alumni programs at McGill, and by the prospect of leading its talented volunteers and staff in winning support for the University."
Philanthropic support plays a vital role in enabling McGill to advance its mission. In 2001-02, McGill's alumni, parents, faculty and staff, friends and others donated $67.2 million (a 6.2% increase over the previous year). There are approximately 144,162 active McGill alumni who participate in over 90 alumni branches worldwide.
About McGill University
Located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, McGill has earned an international reputation for outstanding scholarly achievement and scientific discovery. Founded in 1821, McGill is one of two Canadian members of the American Association of Universities, which it joined in 1925. McGill's 22 faculties and professional schools offer more than 300 programs, from the undergraduate to the doctoral level. The University's professors have earned graduate degrees and completed their training in leading academic centres around the world. McGill attracts students from over 150 countries, creating one of the most dynamic and diverse student bodies in North America. The University has approximately 17,611 full-time undergraduate students and 6,362 graduate students.
