May 6, 2007

Purdue appoints Liley assistant VP; restructures Development

Betsy Liley, former director of foundation relations, will head the new unit as assistant vice president for corporate and foundation relations.

Robin Bellinger, interim vice president for development, said the changes will allow the office to forge a stronger partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Research while better addressing Purdue's needs in research, recruitment and private support.

Richard Buckius, vice president for research, said the changes will help Purdue support a wide range of areas.

"The importance of corporate and foundation support of Purdue cannot be underestimated," Buckius said. "Ramping up our existing strengths in these areas will ensure that Purdue continues to be a leader in critical areas such as research and student services."

Liley's responsibilities in overseeing the new unit will include creating stronger relationships with academic units within Purdue as well as prioritizing and facilitating partnerships with foundations and corporations.

Liley joined Purdue two years ago after eight years working in development for primary and secondary schools and higher education systems. She began her career as a journalist and also taught journalism and public relations for six years.

She is a member of Purdue's Institutional Accreditation Review Committee. She serves on the boards of Family Services Inc. and NICHES Land Trust. She also is a member of the Community Investment Committee of the United Way. She earned her bachelor's degree in communications from Purdue in 1986.

Writer: Tanya Brown, 765-494-2079, tanyabrown@purdue.edu

Sources: Robin G. Bellinger, 765-494-0519, rgbellinger@purdue.edu

Richard Buckius, 765-494-6209, rbuckius@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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