We write to share the news that Keith Brant, vice chancellor for University Relations, has announced he will retire at the end of the academic year, capping a 28-year career with the University of California, five of which were spent at UC Santa Cruz. Keith's last day will be June 30.
Keith's leadership has significantly advanced a culture of philanthropy at UC Santa Cruz. Our first comprehensive fundraising campaign was a tremendous success, bringing in more than $335 million in gifts, while our 50th anniversary celebration highlighted all that we have accomplished over the past five decades — and all the promise that remains for our campus. With University Relations leading the way, our campus has grown more strategic in designing and hosting events, and has shifted toward digital-first communications that broaden our university's voice.
Please join us in thanking Keith for his service to our campus and system, and in wishing him all the best as he retires from the university. The campus will soon begin a search for his successor.
In the meantime, we are pleased to announce that Jeff Shilling, associate vice chancellor for philanthropy, has agreed to serve as interim vice chancellor for the division. Jeff's appointment will begin June 1, pending approval from UC President Janet Napolitano.
Jeff previously served as interim vice chancellor from 2013 to 2014, shortly after the campus launched its fundraising campaign. Jeff's team was central to the success of the campaign, helping to secure a number of transformational gifts, including the Cowell Hay Barn renovation and more than a dozen new endowed faculty chairs, and additional gifts that support the university's mission of research, teaching, and service.
Jeff joined UC Santa Cruz in 2010 after working at Stanford University, where he was chief development officer for the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation. He previously held positions in reunion giving and major gifts at Stanford's Graduate School of Business.
