We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Glen Whitehead as the University’s new Director of Development and Alumni Engagement. Reporting to Lucian Hudson, Director of Advancement, Marketing and Communications, Glen will lead our continued drive to engage global alumni audiences and secure philanthropic commitment in support of the University’s strategic aims. His focus will be to establish a comprehensive campaign linked to Durham’s bicentenary in 2032.
Building on our current track record, Glen will be tasked with deepening the University’s relationships across diverse alumni and supporter groups, working closely with University and College leadership to secure substantial support for research, education, and student experience priorities.
Glen comes to Durham with 20 years’ experience leading development teams, most recently at the University of Cambridge where he played a leading role in the achievement of its recent £2bn campaign. Prior to this he led Development at the National Foundation for Youth Music, and Major Gifts fundraising at the charity Shelter, drawing on experiences from an early career in private banking.
Glen is a graduate of the University of Surrey and the Sorbonne. He has a Master’s in Voluntary Sector Management from Bayes Business School. He has deep musical interests, including support for his local music centre, and has played classical guitar for many years.
Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor, said: “Building on strong foundations, Glen will take us to new levels of success in philanthropic giving. He will lead a formidable team working alongside colleagues across the whole University, donors, alumni, and other supporters.
“It is exceptionally important that we engage with our many communities. Working together, we can achieve even more impact and influence globally, nationally, and locally, including encouraging and supporting talented students to apply to and thrive at Durham irrespective of their background.”
Glen Whitehead said: “I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity to lead Development and Alumni Engagement at Durham. The University’s global status, educational and research strengths, and rich student experience form a powerful basis for growth in alumni and philanthropic engagement.
“Building on Durham's track record, I look forward to working with colleagues across the whole University, including its Faculties, Departments, Institutes and Colleges, and with the Campaign Board, in raising the philanthropic base and profile of the University.”
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