Marquette University named its first vice president for corporate engagement Dec. 13 , marking the opening of the new Office of Corporate Engagement, according to a university news release.
Maura Donovan, who previously served as the executive director of economic development for the University of Minnesota, assumed her new position Monday. Donovan said she feels fortunate to be joining an institution with a strong mission, programs and sense of community.
“I look forward to working collaboratively to maximize Marquette’s corporate engagement opportunities,” Donovan said in the release.
University President Michael Lovell said Donovan will be charged with formalizing, enhancing and streamlining the ways in which Marquette works with corporate partners. He said this will ultimately increase the number of opportunities the university has to work with forward-looking organizations with shared values and strategic priorities that align with Marquette.
The potential opportunities listed in the release include corporate-sponsored research, talent development, philanthropy and service partnerships.
Lovell first announced the new office in his January 2018 presidential address and said opening an office for corporate engagement is critical to Marquette realizing its vision to be among the most innovative and accomplished Catholic, Jesuit universities in the world.
“I am confident that Dr. Donovan will help us grow our current partnerships and forge new and creative mission-aligned relationships that ultimately increase support for groundbreaking research, bolster critical academic and student success programs and diversify our revenue streams,” Lovell said in the news release.
The Office of Corporate Engagement’s website said it is the central point of contact for companies to get in touch with the university.
“We make connections and form robust relationships across campus,” the website said. “We bring a holistic view to developing deep partnerships, rooted in a shared mission, common vision, and innovative spirit.”
