By:
Chuck Woods (352) 392-1773 x 281Source(s):
Jimmy Cheek jgcheek@ifas.ufl.edu, (352) 392-1971
Pamela Kight pdk@ifas.ufl.edu, (352) 392-1975
GAINESVILLE, Fla.—Kenneth DeVries has been named assistant vice president for SHARE (Special Help for Agricultural Research and Education) development, the private support program at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, or UF/IFAS. His appointment becomes effective June 27.
In announcing the appointment, Jimmy Cheek, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, said DeVries’ experience and leadership in university development will be a valuable asset in UF’s upcoming capital campaign, which begins later this year.
“Ken’s extensive background in deferred and estate gift planning as an attorney, his fund-raising experiences and successes, his reputation in dealing with alumni and his communications skills will serve IFAS well,” Cheek said. “Ken is key to our future success.”
Cheek also said that IFAS is fortunate to have many generous alumni and friends who support statewide IFAS teaching, research and extension programs. When it comes to developing private support, IFAS has consistently been one of UF’s top two or three units.
For the last four years, DeVries was associate vice president for development at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where he supervised the university’s major gift program, planned giving services, and corporate and foundation relations. As a licensed attorney, he practiced law in Michigan and Illinois for more than 10 years before getting into the development field. He has more than 16 years of experience in development work.
DeVries said he is looking forward to “getting out in the field” to meet the alumni and friends of UF/IFAS, as well as faculty and staff at all units.
“Private support through gifts of your time, talents and treasures truly provide the margin of excellence for our students, academic programs, and research and extension facilities,” DeVries said. “I look forward to working with our supporters as we continue the great SHARE traditions of the past and explore new opportunities for the future.”
DeVries earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University and his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Mich.
He replaces Eugene Trotter, former assistant vice president for SHARE, who died in November 2004.
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