Todd G. Andrews has been named the new executive director for Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement at the University of Utah. Andrews, who will start at the U on June 18, is currently the vice president of Alumni Relations at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Andrews will replace John Ashton, who is retiring after having served as executive director for the past three decades.
“I am very pleased to have someone of Todd’s extensive experience and record of success as an alumni association leader join the university and lead our efforts on this important front,” said Ruth V. Watkins, University of Utah president. “It is important our graduates understand that the value of their degrees has never been higher and that the university has never been stronger. I look forward to working with Todd to share this message with our wonderful alumni and their families.”
Founded in 1886, the University of Utah Alumni Association serves as a bridge to local, national and international communities. The association provides opportunities to participate in community service projects, raise scholarship funds for students, advocate to the state legislature on behalf of the university and higher education, and to join other graduates for activities in 18 alumni chapters across the country and 12 international alumni clubs.
“The U has more than 270,000 alumni across the globe, and we look forward to Todd’s leadership in helping us connect with our graduates,” said Joe Sargetakis, president of the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. “He is a dynamic and thoughtful leader, and our board looks forward to supporting his work in the coming years.”
Prior to working at Brown University, Andrews spent seven years directing internal and external communications for CVS, now the largest pharmacy chain in America. Prior to that, he served as deputy chief of staff and communications director for U.S. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island.
“After learning about the depth and breadth of the university’s academic programs, its reputation as a premier research institution, touring the incredible campus, meeting President Watkins, and most of all, listening to the alumni who love the U, I knew I wanted to be a part of the University of Utah community,” said Andrews. “I’m excited about joining a collaborative effort with alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends of the university, to help the U achieve its goals of growth and educational excellence.”
The association is completing an $11 million campaign for the renovation and expansion of the Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House on campus. The 34,000-square-foot project will officially open on April 18.