The University Officers' roster is being expanded to strengthen Yale's ties with the city and state, President Richard C. Levin announced as the 1997-98 academic year began.
A seventh officer's post -- Vice President and Director of New Haven and State Affairs -- was announced by President Levin at a gathering of state, local and campus leaders on Aug. 28. Bruce Alexander, a nationally renowned leader in urban revitalization, will be the first incumbent of that post
Mr. Alexander will assume his new post in May. Until then, Vice President and Secretary Linda Koch Lorimer, who has headed New Haven Affairs for the past four years, will continue in that role. "Bruce is a man of remarkable wisdom about what works in our urban centers," said President Levin. "He has a remarkable track record of helping major cities in America, and he has a remarkable understanding of Yale and how it can contribute to strengthening New Haven's future."
President Levin also announced last week the retirement plans of Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs Terry Holcombe, who has beeofficer for 15 years and was the architect of the recently completed capital campaign.
As a result of Mr. Holcombe's decision to retire, President Levin said he was realigning responsibilities among the officers to improve further communications with graduates.
After Mr. Holcombe retires, Secretary and Vice President Lorimer, who already serves as liaison with the Yale Corporation and the University Council, will become the liaison officer to the Association of Yale Alumni (AYA) and the Yale Alumni Magazine. Ms. Lorimer also has responsibility for overseeing the Office of Public Affairs, and President Levin said her new responsibilities, added in with the current ones, offer her the opportunity to provide coordination over Yale's external communications with both alumni and the media.
Charles Pagnam, who has been director of development for the past three years and a member of the Development Office staff for 19 of the last 20 years, will serve as Acting Vice President upon Mr. Holcombe's retirement in December. "A search will be conducted for Terry's replacement," said President Levin. "We are most fortunate to have someone of Charlie's seniority and expertise to direct our development efforts."