November 04, 2019

SIU Carbondale to welcome new executive director of SIU Alumni Association

Jeff-Gleim-sm.jpg Jeff Gleim, a veteran alumni relations professional who brings experience from two universities, will become the new executive director of the SIU Alumni Association and associate vice chancellor for development and alumni relations at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Gleim has held alumni relations positions at the University of Pittsburgh since 2006, serving The Pitt Alumni Association as associate executive director, senior executive director for alumni operations and associate vice chancellor and executive director. His accomplishments include increasing alumni constituent groups, expanding the legislative advocacy program, adding programs for new alumni, creating on-campus partnerships, and growing the student alumni association.

Prior to leading the Pitt Alumni Association, he was with The Ohio State University Alumni Association for 14 years, holding positions as director of alumni clubs and director of alumni advocacy. He has also held administrative positions in the Ohio House of Representatives.

“Jeff brings significant experience and success in the evolving field of alumni relations,” said Rae Goldsmith, the university’s vice chancellor for development and alumni relations. “He knows that engaged alumni are core to a strong Alumni Association and that a strong association can advance the university. He has a vision that will move the association and the university forward in partnership.”

Rick Wysocki, president of the SIU Alumni Association Board, said Gleim stood out because of his well-rounded experience working across alumni relations.

“He has worked effectively with alumni and alumni boards, faculty, staff and students,” Wysocki said. “He is a bridge-builder who understands the importance of making sure the alumni association remains relevant to graduates and connected to the university’s mission.”

Gleim said he was impressed by the passion SIU’s alumni have for the university.

“A dynamic alumni relations program is shaped by an institution’s culture,” he said. “SIU is an institution rich in tradition and school spirit with a strong academic reputation. Salukis are loyal and generous. The new Alumni Center is welcoming and impressive, and the Saluki Alumni Plaza will become a symbol that touches students and graduates alike. There is so much to build on here, and I am proud to become a member of the Saluki family.

“My goals will be to grow connections with the university, provide meaningful opportunities for alumni to be engaged, and to expand targeted programs to support the diversity of the university’s large alumni base,” he added.  “I will look forward to meeting with alumni and listening to their thoughts as we build to the future together.”

Gleim begins his new role Dec. 3. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from The Ohio State University and held administrative positions in the Ohio House of Representatives before joining Ohio State’s alumni relations staff. He has served on the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s Commission on Alumni Relations and as a member of the Council for Alumni Association Executives.

Jeff and his wife, Michelle, have two children, Todd and Tyler, and a daughter-in-law, Maria.

Gleim replaces Michelle Suarez, who retired in April.