AUSTIN, Texas—Randa S. Safady, an executive at The University of Texas at Austin since 1996, has been appointed to the newly titled position of vice chancellor for external relations at The University of Texas System.
The appointment was made today (Aug. 4) by Chancellor Mark G. Yudof.
“Randa Safady is a visionary leader with a wealth of experience in university administration. She’s recognized nationally for her expertise in fundraising, having been involved most recently in UT Austin’s hugely successful capital campaign that has raised over $1 billion dollars for the university,” Chancellor Yudof said in announcing the appointment. “She is well known to donors, foundations and businesses who contribute enormously to the higher education enterprise in this state, and she understands the importance of building and maintaining strategic alliances for the support and benefit of our institutions through communication and outreach. I am delighted that she will join the UT System administration in this new capacity and know that she will be a tremendous resource to me and to all of our institutions.”
Yudof also announced a realignment of offices intended to help the System Administration coordinate its activities and relations with external non-governmental constituencies, as well as provide the public with easier access to the System.
The vice chancellor for external relations will oversee the new department that will now include the offices of community relations, development, estates and trusts, public affairs, strategic communication, and special services. Safady will coordinate all of the System’s external communication efforts with the news media, business and community leaders, community and civic organizations, foundations, and current and prospective donors. She will join the UT System in her new capacity on October 1.
Safady succeeds Shirley Bird Perry who announced her retirement after more than 40 years of service with the System and The University of Texas at Austin on June 19. Perry is currently vice chancellor for development and external relations. She will become special adviser to Safady and Chancellor Yudof until her retirement from the UT System March 1, 2004.
Safady has worked in several development positions with increasing responsibilities at The University of Texas at Austin, currently serving as associate vice president for resource development.
Prior to her service at the university, she was director of corporate, foundation and governmental relations at St. Edward’s University in Austin from 1987 to 1996.
Safady earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Southwest Texas State University and a doctorate in higher education administration from The University of Texas at Austin.
For more information contact: Monty Jones, The University of Texas System, 512-499-4363.
